The Correspondent

The Editor

News, analysis and reporting from the UKTECH desk: the contracting market, IR35 and the policy decisions behind them.

1823 ARTICLES
2000–2024
11 DESKS

BEATS · IR35 · CONTRACT MARKET · TAX POLICY · THE FREELANCE ECONOMY

2024

31 JUL 2024HMRC service levels continue to undermine Charter commitmentsPoor service levels continue to undermine HMRC's ability to deliver on their Charter standards, says the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT).BUSINESS
25 JUN 2024Broadcaster Adrian Chiles' IR35 case back to the beginningThe on-going case involving broadcaster, Adrian Chiles and a £1.7 million challenge to his IR35 status from HMRC, has been referred back to where it…IR35
29 MAY 2024Contractors urged to check their IR35 statusFreelancers, contractors and consultants working via their own limited companies have been urged to take it upon themselves to check their IR35…IR35
8 MAY 2024Advantages of early tax filingsAlmost 300,000 Self Assessment customers filed their tax return in the first week of the new tax year, almost 10 months ahead of the deadline, HM…BUSINESS
18 APR 2024Umbrella market regulation on the agendaFollowing the recent Spring Budget, the Government announced it will provide updates on and publish the details of further tax measures during 'Tax…BUSINESS
2 APR 2024Permanent cuts to HMRC helplines are 'misguided'HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has received strong criticism for its announcement of big, permanent cuts to its taxpayer telephone helplines.BUSINESS
18 MAR 2024Modest welcome to Budget tax cutsThe recent Budget received a modest welcome from the small business sector but was more about missed opportunities than anything substantial.POLITICS
14 FEB 2024TUC and REC call for rethink on 'ill-judged' strike proposalsRepresentatives of both the agency sector and the trade unions have urged the Government to abandon a rehashed plan to allow agency staff to replace…BUSINESS
1 FEB 2024Tax allowance - use it or lose it.Small businesses and other tax payers are being advised to use up available tax allowances before the new financial year in April or risk losing out.BUSINESS
23 JAN 2024More than one million 'over 50s' work for themselvesTens of thousands more over 50s are now running their own businesses despite an overall decline in self-employment since 2020, new analysis of…BUSINESS
17 JAN 2024Nearly 45,000 tax payers set up payment planAs the deadline to submit Self Assessment tax returns looms, nearly 44,800 people have sorted their tax bills totalling almost £148 million, by…BUSINESS
4 JAN 2024Latest media personality loses IR35 caseFootballer turned TV pundit, Phil Thompson, is the latest media personality to fall foul of HMRC's IR35 challenges.IR35

2023

7 DEC 2023HMRC limiting telephone support in the run up to Self-Assessment deadlineCalls to the Self-Assessment helpline in the weeks leading up to the January 31, 2024 deadline will be assessed for complexity before taxpayers and…BUSINESS
27 NOV 2023Autumn Statement: The news for contractors - Brookson LegalThe Government's stated intention is to focus on five areas: reducing debt; cutting tax and rewarding hard work; backing British business; building…POLITICS
13 NOV 2023Proposed tax change on flu jabs welcomedAround 20 million Brits receive the jab each year, with many employers choosing to cover the cost for their employees.BUSINESS
31 OCT 2023Sad passing of IR35 expert, Kate CottrellWe are so sorry to hear of the recent passing of IR35 expert Kate Cottrell of Bauer & Cottrell.IR35
10 OCT 2023HMRC updates its status 'CEST' toolHMRC has given its much criticised online status assessment tool, CEST, an update with a low-key launch.IR35
18 SEP 2023HMRC should maintain responsibility for tax debtRecruitment body, the REC, is calling on the Government to stay focussed on regulating umbrellas and scrap, what it describes as 'their grossly…BUSINESS
8 SEP 2023Simple and often overlooked business expensesThere are some surprising business expenses that sole traders and self-employed tradespeople may be forgetting about or are simply unaware of…BUSINESS
23 AUG 2023HMRC takes more than three years to deal with basic enquiryAn accountant has labelled HMRC as 'dead in the water' - after receiving a response to an enquiry submitted in 2020 more than three years later.BUSINESS
15 AUG 2023Boost in self-employed numbers 'good news for business'New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that the self-employed population has undergone four consecutive quarters of growth.BUSINESS
7 AUG 2023Taxpayers in policy pilots must not be disadvantagedTaxpayers who take part in small-scale pilots of new policies should not be disadvantaged compared to the general population, the Chartered Institute…BUSINESS
27 JUL 2023Call to offset taxes paid by IR35 workersTaxes paid by workers who were incorrectly categorised as outside the scope of the off-payroll working rules, IR35, should be offset against the tax…IR35
18 JUL 2023HMRC shows 'poor service levels'The HMRC Charter annual report shows that poor service levels are undermining HMRC's ability to deliver on their Charter standards, according to a…BUSINESS
6 JUL 2023Tax campaigners issue 'stooge' director warningA professional tax group is warning people on lower incomes of the potential risks when answering an advert to become a director of a company in…BUSINESS
30 JUN 2023HMRC missing opportunity to simplify tax servicesIn its latest consultation on creating a tax system fit for the 21st century, HMRC falls short on its remit to simplify the tax system, focusing…BUSINESS
23 JUN 2023Independent report is further evidence HMRC are strugglingA new report by the body tasked with investigating complaints against HMRC is further evidence that the tax authority is ill-equipped to deal with…BUSINESS
16 JUN 2023Helpline closure a 'flashing indicator' that HMRC can't copeThe temporary closure of the helpline for self-assessment taxpayers is 'another flashing indicator that HMRC can't cope with everything it is being…BUSINESS
12 JUN 2023Report finds MTD over budget and with unrealistic time-scalesA report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has criticised HMRC's tax modernisation plans, Making Tax Digital (MTD), for being over budget and…BUSINESS
31 MAY 2023Qdos: How will HMRC manage 'double taxation' changesThe question of 'double taxation' has recently engaged the contracting sector with hopes that the Government will act to remove the 'unfairness' of…IR35
23 MAY 2023Welcome growth in self-employedLatest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show more people are moving to self-employment as their preferred choice of work.BUSINESS
18 MAY 2023Renewed fears over self-employed pension crisisNew research suggesting that 45 per cent of freelancers are not saving into a pension has prompted renewed calls for political parties to tackle the…BUSINESS
11 MAY 2023Cautious hiring favours contractors and temp workersOngoing uncertainty around the economic outlook and more cautious hiring policies resulted in an upward trend for employers to turn to the temporary…BUSINESS
5 MAY 2023Double taxation of IR35 could end by 2024The Government has suggested that if it was to end the 'double-taxation' of IR35, the intention is that these measures would come into effect in…IR35
28 APR 2023'Tax Day' tackles IR35 double taxation and umbrellasThe Government announced a package of technical tax policy proposals on 27 April 2023 that is aimed at supporting its ambition to simplify and…IR35
17 APR 2023Agency group calls for improvements to IR35 rulesWith IR35 in the news again, agency representative group, the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has reiterated its calls for…IR35
5 APR 2023TV presenter Eamonn Holmes loses IR35 battle with tax manThe host of 'This Morning', Eamonn Holmes faces a reported £250,000 tax bill after the Upper Tribunal ruled he was caught by IR35.IR35
29 MAR 2023Gary Lineker wins £5 million IR35 fight with taxmanFormer England international and Match of the Day presenter, Gary Lineker has won a multi-million pound claim from HMRC, after a tax tribunal ruled…IR35
16 MAR 2023Budget (4): Reaction from freelancers' groupRepresentative group, IPSE has given its views on some of the measures in the Spring Budget which will affect freelancers and the self employed.POLITICS
16 MAR 2023Budget (3): Pension changes could encourage older contractors to returnBudget proposals to change pension allowances to encourage early retirees back into work could benefit older contractors thinking of returning to the…POLITICS
16 MAR 2023Budget (2): Back to Work misses self-employed targetAlthough the Budget promoted 'Back to Work' measures for many sections of the workforce, including the older 'returners' and young parents, the…POLITICS
16 MAR 2023Budget (1): 'Back to work' Budget - at a glanceChancellor Jeremy Hunt's first Budget was aimed at encouraging people to return to work.POLITICS
8 MAR 2023HMRC updates IR35 guidance ahead of Spring BudgetHMRC has issued multiple updates to the off-payroll working guidance section (IR35) ahead of next week's Spring Budget.IR35
1 MAR 2023Fears that calls for IR35 reform fall on deaf earsWith just two weeks to the Spring Budget, even the most optimistic IR35 reformers are finding it difficult to convince themselves there will be any…IR35
22 FEB 2023'Wake up call' as self-employed sector shrinksNew research suggesting the self-employed sector's contribution to the UK economy fell by an estimated £25bn in 2022 is a 'wake up call' for…BUSINESS
6 FEB 2023IR35 compliance remains a significant concern for agenciesNew research has revealed that compliance when placing contractors and talent shortage were two of the greatest challenges faced by recruitment…IR35
24 JAN 2023Rugby pundit scores IR35 victory over tax manHMRC has failed to score in its attempt to claim a £700,000 tax bill from Sky Sports pundit, Stuart Barnes, in an IR35 dispute.IR35
11 JAN 2023Freelancer confidence in their future nose-divesFreelancer confidence in their own businesses has fallen to its lowest levels since the height of the pandemic and lockdown restrictions in Q3 2020.BUSINESS

2022

20 DEC 2022HMRC commissions research into IR35 rulesHM Revenue and Customs has commissioned research to explore the short-term impacts of the controversial 2021 off-payroll working rules reform in the…IR35
12 DEC 2022Backlog of tax tribunal cases as HMRC pursue umbrella companies for VATThe number of tax tribunal cases waiting to be heard has increased more than sevenfold compared to the same quarter last year, from 1,200 at the end…BUSINESS
5 DEC 2022UK contractors turn to overseas clients as recession hitsNearly half of UK contractors' work comes from overseas clients and just over half expect the amount of work they do for clients outside of the UK to…BUSINESS
28 NOV 2022HMRC names and shames tax avoidance schemeHMRC has added umbrella company, Charteris Management Ltd (CML) to its list of tax avoidance schemes.BUSINESS
18 NOV 2022AS2022 (6): No change on the roller-coaster of IR35Since IR35 metamorphosed into the 'off payroll' rules, the ongoing criticism of poorly drafted legislation and confusing outcomes has taken on new…POLITICS
18 NOV 2022AS2022 (5): Change to dividend allowance is bad news for freelancersThe hidden misery for contractors and freelancers in the Autumn Statement was the announcement that the dividend tax thresholds will be reduced from…POLITICS
18 NOV 2022AS2022 (4): Cruel dilemma for small businesses over frozen VAT thresholdA professional tax body claims that the announcement in the Autumn Statement that the Government will freeze the VAT registration threshold of…POLITICS
18 NOV 2022AS2022 (3): Low-paid self-employed miss outSome self-employed universal credit claimants may not see the full value of the Government's rise in benefits because the artificial minimum income…POLITICS
18 NOV 2022AS2022 (2): Main measures at a glanceChancellor Jeremy Hunt has unveiled the contents of his Autumn Statement in the House of Commons with a mixture of hope for the future and repairs of…POLITICS
17 NOV 2022AS2022 (1): Call for repair Budget for stabilityBudgets are becoming a bit like buses - you wait for ages, then they all come along at once.POLITICS
7 NOV 2022Umbrella company registrations continue to growIt has been a confusing time for contractors and businesses that use their services, as the regulations and the political powers-that-be who…BUSINESS
2 NOV 2022Uncertainty at what lies ahead sparks contractors' fearsAfter the chopping, changing and U-turning on the IR35 'off-payroll' legislation almost half of contractors are concerned there will be further…IR35
28 OCT 2022Tax body urges rethink on scrapping Office of Tax SimplificationIf the Government is serious about 'embedding simplification' in the UK's tax policy-making process it should retain the Office of Tax Simplification…BUSINESS
27 OCT 2022Agency group welcomes Prime Minister's focus on skills and immigration Recently PublishedReports that the new Prime Minister plans to reform the education system and make the UK more attractive to highly skilled non-UK nationals have been…BUSINESS
21 OCT 2022Short term relief from business as IR35 changes abandonedWhile the contractor community tears its metaphorical hair out over the Government's U-turn which saw the proposed repeal of the controversial IR35…IR35
17 OCT 2022Joy short lived as plans to scrap IR35 reforms are scrappedThe Government has been slammed as 'spineless' after its multiple mini-Budget U-turns included the decision to repeal the IR35 reforms.IR35
3 OCT 2022Red tape cut for thousands of growing businesses Recently PublishedWhile the political fall-out from the controversial mini-Budget continues, a further measure has been announced which means that small businesses…BUSINESS
23 SEP 2022Mini-Budget: Scrapping reforms places burden back on contractorsThe Mini-Budget announcement to scrap the controversial and unpopular off-payroll IR35 reforms of the past few years was seen by some as replacing…IR35
23 SEP 2022Mini-Budget: 'Watershed moment' as controversial IR35 reforms are scrappedThe so-called 'Mini-Budget' had more significant measures than many full-scale Budgets, including a commitment to scrap the controversial IR35…IR35
20 SEP 2022Freelancer confidence in the economy falls to its lowest levels since the pandemic Recently PublishedNew research shows that freelancers' confidence in the UK economy for the next 12 months has fallen sharply from -27.4 in Q1 2022 to -56.7 this…BUSINESS
16 SEP 2022Call on Government to invest to improve unacceptable HMRC service levels Recently PublishedThe President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) has called on the new UK Government to invest to improve HMRC's 'unacceptable service'…BUSINESS
6 SEP 2022New Prime Minister needs to reform more than IR35 to bolster the UK's economyBefore new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, has had time to unpack the removal van at No 10, the representative groups and industry interests are lining up…IR35
26 AUG 2022Tory hopeful promises IR35 review if she becomes next PMOne of the two contenders for the Tory Party Leadership - and the next Prime Minister - has promised a review of the IR35 should she win the battle…IR35
22 AUG 2022Digital skills prominently feature when SMEs need freelance support Recently PublishedRecent research has indicated how reliant small firms are on accessing freelancers' skills with more than two thirds saying they would use them to…BUSINESS
15 AUG 2022Demand for contractors spikes as skills disappear across the countryAs skills disappear across the UK, employers are relying heavily on contract professionals to keep businesses operating as threats of a recession…BUSINESS
8 AUG 2022The Liz v Rishi contest - what it means for small businessAfter the twists and turns of the Conservative Party Leadership contest, the next Prime Minister of this country has come down to a choice between…BUSINESS
1 AUG 2022Crackdown on large businesses' 'hidden employees' through IR35 rulesHMRC suspects large businesses of underpaying £1.4bn in employment taxes as it cracks down on 'hidden employees' through the IR35 regulations…IR35
28 JUL 2022Employer confidence falls and labour shortage continuesEmployers' confidence in both the UK economic outlook and their own ability to invest in their business dropped quickly in the second quarter of…BUSINESS
25 JUL 2022Late payments worsen despite recent Government reformsFreelancer group, IPSE, has unveiled the top ten worst offending businesses for late payments in the UK, following the launch of its new Payment…BUSINESS
19 JUL 2022Agency trade body warns instability lies aheadTrade body, APSCo, has warned that instability is on the cards following the latest labour market statistics from the Office for National Statistics…BUSINESS
12 JUL 2022Agency workers can be used to replace strikersPlans to allow agency workers to replace striking workers have been given the green light, despite concerns raised by agency trade groups.BUSINESS
6 JUL 2022Sky Sports presenter hit with £356,420 IR35 tax billSky Sports presenter, Alan Parry, has lost his appeal against an IR35 tax bill of more than £356,000 at a First-Tier Tax Tribunal hearing.IR35
4 JUL 2022Freelancers' confidence begins to increaseDespite record levels of inflation and rumours of a global economic recession, new research shows that freelancers' confidence in their own…BUSINESS
27 JUN 2022Call for consultation on plans to use agency workers to cover strikesAgency representative group, APSCo has warned that the Government plans to repeal a legal ban on agency staff filling in for workers on strike would…BUSINESS
24 JUN 2022New law makes it easier to use agency workers during strikesThe Government has acted to make it easier for businesses to use temporary staff to help ease disruptions caused by strike action by bringing in a…BUSINESS
21 JUN 2022Call for evidence on 'Loan Charge Scandal'A Parliamentary group has called for evidence from advisers following 'harrowing evidence' supplied by individuals on the Loan Charge controversy.BUSINESS
16 JUN 2022A significant number of employees are considering going freelanceFollowing the emergence of the Great Resignation, new research has found that two in five Brits have considered becoming a freelancer.BUSINESS
14 JUN 2022ONS labour response: Why Government intervention is needed nowThe latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that vacancies reached new highs of 1,300,000 between March and May 2022 while…BUSINESS
9 JUN 2022High levels of non-compliance with IR35 in GovernmentA House of Commons Committee has highlighted high levels of non-compliance with IR35 in central Government.IR35
8 JUN 2022Agency group outlines changes needed to ease the talent crisisWith the UK continuing to struggle with talent shortages and the elusive Employment Bill yet to be revealed, agency group APSCo has outlined what it…BUSINESS
25 MAY 2022HMRC wins disguised remuneration tax avoidance caseThe Court of Appeal found in favour of HMRC's right to collect unpaid income tax directly from a contractor who arranged to be paid via loans from…BUSINESS
17 MAY 2022Freelancers welcome review into future of workFreelancer group IPSE has welcomed the news that the Government is launching a review into the future of work.BUSINESS
12 MAY 2022More than half of contractors say IR35 is their 'biggest challenge'One year on from IR35 reforms in the private sector, insights from accountancy company, SJD Accountancy, find that 57 per cent of contractors…BUSINESS
29 APR 2022Research questions advantages of working via an umbrellaUmbrella company workers believe that there are no advantages to working via an umbrella company, according to research from self-employed group IPSE.BUSINESS
20 APR 2022Recommendations on working with umbrella companiesUmbrella companies often play a key part in recruitment supply chains.BUSINESS
12 APR 2022Upturn in hiring activity slows again amid candidate shortagesThe latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs survey highlighted softer rises in hiring activity during March, as candidate shortages restricted growth…BUSINESS
6 APR 2022IR35 reforms damage the ability for businesses to growNew research released shows that despite half of UK businesses stating that they could not achieve their level of growth and outcomes without the…IR35
29 MAR 2022Penalty looms for unpaid Self Assessment tax billsTaxpayers who have not yet paid or agreed a payment plan with HMRC for their 2020/21 Self Assessment tax liability only have a few days remaining to…BUSINESS
24 MAR 2022A sleight of hand and 'swings and roundabouts' Spring BudgetThe Chancellor's Spring Budget saw a taking with one hand while giving with the other.POLITICS
23 MAR 2022Spring Statement should support small businessesLater today (March 23, 2022), Chancellor Rishi Sunak will put forward his 'Spring Statement' on measures which will affect business, tax and the…POLITICS
18 MAR 2022Government 'must cancel National Insurance rise now'The cost of living crisis gripping UK families and businesses will unnecessarily deepen unless the Government scraps its planned National Insurance…BUSINESS
14 MAR 2022Small business group calls for Chancellor's supportThe Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has written to Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, to encourage him to move away from 'eye-wateringly expensive' tax…BUSINESS
10 MAR 2022Step-change needed to support Britain's youngest business ownersNew research has highlighted gaps in support for thousands of entrepreneurial 16 to 18-year-old school leavers.BUSINESS
8 MAR 2022Umbrella workers hit hard with NIC increaseThe proposed increase in National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for umbrella workers is almost double that for 'regular' workers, according to the…BUSINESS
2 MAR 2022Gordon Brown honoured for contribution to taxFormer Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown has been honoured for 'his outstanding contribution to the field of taxation' by…BUSINESS
28 FEB 2022Freelancers struggle with late paymentsThe average UK freelancer is waiting for £2,098 in outstanding invoices at any given time during the month, according to a recent survey by payment…BUSINESS
25 FEB 2022Early signs of recovery in recruitment confidence as Omicron recedesAs the Omicron wave receded in January, business confidence levels started to show signs of recovery, with demand for temporary workers remaining…BUSINESS
23 FEB 2022Almost 100,000 tax payers spread the cost of their tax billAlmost 100,000 Self Assessment customers have used online payment plans to spread the cost of their tax bill into manageable monthly instalments…BUSINESS
18 FEB 2022TV presenter Adrian Chiles wins IR35 tax battle with HMRCHMRC claimed the former One Show and Match of the Day 2 presenter was not a freelancer when he worked for BBC, ITV and other parties between 2012 and…IR35
15 FEB 2022IR35 rules lead to an increased use of umbrella companiesThe Economic Affairs Finance Bill Sub-Committee has written to the Government, listing the Sub-Committee's main findings and conclusions on…IR35
14 FEB 2022Call for delay to the planned tax and NI hikeSelf-employment group, IPSE, has called on the Government to delay the planned increase to National Insurance and dividend tax following the energy…BUSINESS
11 FEB 2022Public bodies not given enough time for IR35 reformsHMRC had key lessons to learn from the initial roll-out of IR35 tax reforms in the public sector, but faces new and challenging risks in implementing…IR35
9 FEB 2022Government's study into off-payroll reformThe Government has published a report commissioned by HMRC into the long-term effects of off-payroll working reform in the public sector.IR35
4 FEB 2022Victory for workers rights in Pimlico Plumbers in Supreme CourtOne of the longest running, workers' rights sagas, Pimlico Plumbers, has had another twist in the Supreme Court, as appeal judges ruled that the…IR35
24 JAN 2022Reports of scam HMRC calls tumbleThe number of reports of scam HMRC phone calls has plummeted dramatically by 97 per cent in the last 12 months.BUSINESS
14 JAN 2022Making Tax Digital for VAT is comingHMRC is reminding businesses to take steps to prepare for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Value Added Tax (VAT) before it becomes mandatory for all…BUSINESS
11 JAN 2022Government survey on umbrella companiesFurther to the Government's recent call for evidence on the use of umbrella companies, they have now issued a short survey for completion by…BUSINESS
8 JAN 2022HMRC gives Self Assessment taxpayers more time to fileHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is waiving late filing and late payment penalties for Self Assessment taxpayers for one month – giving them extra time…BUSINESS

2021

29 DEC 2021Nearly 3,000 'elf Assessments filed on Christmas DayHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed that 2,828 customers filed their Self Assessment tax return on Christmas Day, compared to 2,700 in 2020.BUSINESS
20 DEC 2021Government move on umbrella sectorGovernment move on umbrella companies is an opportunity to end the disguised remuneration problem, according to a pressure group.BUSINESS
16 DEC 2021Government responses show tax simplification is far from simpleThe Chartered Institute of Taxation has welcomed the five-year review of the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) and the Government's recognition of…BUSINESS
14 DEC 2021HMRC adopts cautious approach to more frequent tax paymentHMRC's confirmation that they will consult further before moving to more frequent payment of tax for small businesses has been welcomed by…BUSINESS
9 DEC 2021Self Assessment customers use monthly payment plans to pay £46 million in taxMore than 20,000 Self Assessment customers have used HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) online monthly payment plan service since April to spread the cost…BUSINESS
8 DEC 2021Go online for your tax-free Christmas partyFor those wanting to celebrate the festive season, but finding the 'in person' functions difficult to attend or arrange, it is worth remembering that…BUSINESS
6 DEC 2021HMRC defends changes to IR35 off-payroll rulesThe Government believes that the reform to the IR35 working rules is the right way to improve compliance with the rules.IR35
29 NOV 2021HMRC interactive umbrella tool lacks assuranceHMRC has launched a new interactive tool for umbrella workers called 'Check if you are at risk of tax avoidance'.BUSINESS
23 NOV 2021Warning to taxpayers about refund companiesA tax advisory body is warning taxpayers never to share their Government Gateway username and password details with anyone – including with companies…BUSINESS
19 NOV 2021HMRC warns customers about Self Assessment trickstersAs HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) prepares to issue emails and SMS to Self Assessment customers, the department is reminding them to be on their guard…BUSINESS
15 NOV 2021Sky Sports presenter handed £281,000 IR35 billSky Sports TV presenter, Dave Clark, has lost an IR35 case appeal carrying £281,084.48 in tax liability.IR35
8 NOV 2021Budget 2021: Agency group sees missed opportunitiesAgency trade body, APSCo, has examined what the Chancellor didn't say in his recent Budget and the missed opportunities.POLITICS
4 NOV 2021Key factors identifying 'outside IR35' engagementsSix months on from the new Off Payroll Rules there is still confusion over which assignments should fall inside or outside of IR35, with often…IR35
2 NOV 2021Substitution – an overfished red herring?The Court of Appeal has upheld an earlier employment tribunal decision that a courier rider should be classed as a 'worker' irrespective that they…IR35
1 NOV 2021Go ahead for self-employed tax reform signals tax grab for TreasuryReforms to tax calculations for the self-employed, announced in the Budget, will result in a significant acceleration of tax payments by businesses…BUSINESS
27 OCT 2021Budget 2021: Freelancers and self-employed still left behindThe optimistic message from Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, for a new post-Covid economy does not resonate with the reality for many freelancers…POLITICS
26 OCT 2021Budget 2021: Government risks lost generation of self-employedAhead of the Budget (Wednesday, October 27), the Chancellor has been urged to resist introducing further tax changes that offer 'quick wins' for the…POLITICS
22 OCT 2021A third of contractors driven out of self-employment by IR35 changesMore than a third of contractors (35 per cent) have left self-employment since the changes to IR35, either moving into permanent employment…IR35
21 OCT 2021Call for Statutory Sick Pay for the self-employedFreelance representatives have called on the Government to introduce Statutory Sick Pay for the self-employed after new research found there was a…BUSINESS
13 OCT 2021Amazon face potentially '£100m' employment status caseMultiple self-employed Amazon delivery drivers are seeking employment rights from the digital giant - a case that could potentially cost the digital…IR35
12 OCT 2021Time to get ready for Self AssessmentHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding Self Assessment customers to check that they have the correct information in order to complete their tax…BUSINESS
5 OCT 2021Agency body calls for better visa system for independent contractorsAgency group, APSCo, has outlined its main asks of the upcoming Autumn Budget and Spending Review to help the labour market build back better, which…BUSINESS
29 SEP 2021Delay to Making Tax Digital for self-employed and landlordsThe Government has announced that the roll out of the 'Making Tax Digital' for Income Tax programme is delayed from 6 April 2023 until 6 April 2024.BUSINESS
20 SEP 2021Replay needed after court calls foul in IR35 football caseAn IR35 status case involving 60 professional football referees needs a replay after the Court of Appeal called 'foul' on an earlier decision.IR35
15 SEP 2021Is the UK heading for Unicorn boom post-pandemic?The last 15 months has provided every aspect of society with an unprecedented challenge, not least to small firms and founders.BUSINESS
14 SEP 2021Agency group calls for action to meet skill shortageAn agency trade body has warned that the skills gap is going to stretch further unless quick action is taken to encourage more independent…BUSINESS
8 SEP 2021Small business hit hardest by NI and dividend tax hikeThe 1.25 per cent hike in National Insurance and dividend tax hike is likely to hit small business owners and contractors the hardest.BUSINESS
1 SEP 2021'Shambolic' HMRC and delayed tribunal decisionHMRC was branded as 'shambolic' after it has been denied the chance to appeal an outside IR35 verdict at the Upper Tier Tribunal (UTT) after…IR35
27 AUG 2021Skill shortage threatens recoveryLatest Government figures showing a record number of job vacancies in July, are further indication of the need to review the UK's entry programme for…BUSINESS
23 AUG 2021HM Courts and Tribunal Service hit with £12.5m IR35 billHM Courts and Tribunal Service has become the third Government department to be hit with a multi-million bill from HMRC due to making incorrect IR35…IR35
20 AUG 2021Retention of contingent workers vital in talent-scarce marketOrganisations must direct resources towards engaging non-permanent workers – or risk losing valuable skills in a talent-scarce market, according to…BUSINESS
20 AUG 2021Talent dearth still plaguing businessThe professional recruitment market has continued to perform exceptionally well with huge increases in year-on-year vacancy and placement figures…BUSINESS
12 AUG 2021TUC calls to ban umbrella companiesCalls by trade union body, the TUC, to ban umbrella companies have been branded as 'misguided' and a 'knee jerk reaction' by representatives in the…BUSINESS
9 AUG 2021Businesses have regrets over 'confusing' IR35 reformFour in 10 businesses impacted by recent changes to IR35 in the private sector have admitted they would approach the changes differently if given the…IR35
4 AUG 2021Research shows freelancers would struggle with 'pay as you go' taxNew research shows the idea of 'pay as you go' monthly or quarterly tax payments would leave two out of five freelancers struggling with cashflow.BUSINESS
28 JUL 2021Labour's proposal for single worker statusLabour has announced plans to create a single status of 'worker' for all but the genuinely self-employed, with rights from day one of employment.BUSINESS
26 JUL 2021DWP pay 'enormous' £87.9m IR35 tax billThe Government body, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been issued with a tax bill of £87.9m due to incorrectly assessing the IR35…IR35
23 JUL 2021Narrow self-isolation exemptions list 'leaves freelancers in the lurch'The Government's 'narrow' self-isolation exemptions list will leave freelancers and contractors 'in the lurch' - again.BUSINESS
19 JUL 2021More frequent tax payment proposal for small firms causes concernThe Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) has warned the Government against making it compulsory for small businesses to move to more frequent…BUSINESS
8 JUL 2021IR35 a factor in shortage of HGV driversThe roll-out of the new IR35 rules in the private sector has contributed to 'the significant and rapidly deteriorating shortage of HGV drivers'…IR35
29 JUN 2021Big blow to Deliveroo riders who are denied employment rightsDelivery riders from Deliveroo lost their battle to receive employment rights, after it was ruled that these gig economy workers are self-employed…IR35
25 JUN 2021HMRC's IR35 tool leaves a 'staggering' 210,000 contractors 'in limbo'Figures from HMRC show that their own IR35 status online tool fails in one in five cases to determine the IR35 status of contractors.IR35
18 JUN 2021IT contractor loses £70,000 IR35 appealAn IT contractor who received an IR35-related £70,000 tax bill from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has had his second appeal dismissed by a tribunal…IR35
15 JUN 2021Contractors in high demand across SpainDemand for expert international contract professionals has been steadily increasing across Spain as the country continues to relax Covid-related…BUSINESS
11 JUN 2021Post IR35 reform: Work to do but contracting isn't deadNearly 2000 contractors have offered a range of insight into the contracting landscape after the initial impact of the introduction of IR35 reform in…IR35
8 JUN 2021Postmaster dispute shows extent of 'gig economy chaos'Self employment group, IPSE, has said the latest employment status dispute – in which 120 sub-postmasters have claimed the Post Office should treat…BUSINESS
4 JUN 2021Call for hotline for bad practice by umbrella companiesThe REC, the professional body for the UK recruitment industry, has called on HMRC to set up a dedicated hotline for workers to report bad practice…BUSINESS
1 JUN 2021Sub Post-Masters claim employment rightsMore than 100 sub-postmasters have launched an employment tribunal against the Post Office in a bid to become 'workers' and therefore receive…BUSINESS
25 MAY 2021Businesses started during pandemic plan for positive futureThe record number of new businesses started in 2020 are set to create tens of thousands of jobs in the coming years, with one-in-four business owners…BUSINESS
19 MAY 2021Cautious optimism in contract hiring marketThe latest Labour market data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows encouraging signs in the contract and permanent job market.BUSINESS
17 MAY 2021Guidance on working through umbrella companiesUmbrella trade body Prism has published an updated fact sheet in conjunction with the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group and endorsed by The Chartered…BUSINESS
13 MAY 2021Agency body 'shocked' at scale of abuse on mini umbrellasAgency trade body, APSCo, has said that it is shocked at the scale of the abuse in recent reports about the use of 'mini umbrella schemes'.BUSINESS
10 MAY 2021Interim vacancies up as employers utilise flexible workforceDespite the impact Covid-19 has had on recruitment activity, professional interim vacancies fared particularly well throughout the first three months…BUSINESS
7 MAY 2021Gary Lineker faces £4.9m IR35 tax caseMatch of the Day host, Gary Lineker, has become the latest television celebrity to be pursued by HMRC in a First Tier Tax Tribunal carrying a…IR35
6 MAY 2021Trade body lobbies for more equitable payment terms in private sectorWhile the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Small Business Commissioner has achieved the enforcement of 30-day payment…BUSINESS
4 MAY 2021HMRC guidance on working through umbrella companies Recently PublishedFollowing a recent report from a Parliamentary group into umbrella companies, HMRC has published guidance explaining the role and function of…BUSINESS
22 APR 2021"Compliant umbrellas are still valuable" - APSCoAgency representative body, APSCo, has come to the defence of compliant umbrella companies, while recognising that unregulated umbrella companies are…BUSINESS
20 APR 2021Call for Government action against unregulated umbrella companiesThe Government must take action to clean up the 'Wild West' supply chain that exploits freelance and contract workers and encourages tax avoidance…BUSINESS
13 APR 2021Clients should work compliantly with contractors Recently PublishedClients are being advised to work compliantly with the new IR35 changes and not to impose unnecessary blanket bans on working with contractors.IR35
6 APR 2021Historic moment for contracting as IR35 reform is introducedThe controversial IR35 reforms in the private sector have been introduced today (April 6).IR35
30 MAR 2021Agency group clarifies confusion ahead of IR35 deadlineAgency trade body, APSCo, has sought to clarify some of the recent confusion around National Insurance Contribution (NICs) payment responsibilities…IR35
25 MAR 2021LITRG report puts 'umbrella' companies under the spotlightThe Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) has published a new research report looking at the use of 'umbrella' companies and other labour market…BUSINESS
24 MAR 2021Tax Day brings detailed consultations but little cheer for self-employedThe UK's first Tax Day (March 23, 2021) was marked more by consultations and calls for evidence than any significant announcements of reform to the…BUSINESS
22 MAR 2021Set up Self Assessment payment plans by April 1Self Assessment taxpayers have just over a week to pay any outstanding tax liabilities in full or set up an online payment plan for the 2019 to 2020…BUSINESS
18 MAR 2021Latest Uber development highlights complexity of worker classificationOnline private hire network, Uber, has announced that it will pay 70,000 of its UK workers minimum wage, pensions contributions and holiday pay.IR35
16 MAR 2021Companies House to resume voluntary and compulsory strike offCompanies House has resumed the strike off process for companies after pausing the procedure for a few months due to the Covid pandemic.BUSINESS
8 MAR 2021Clarification on Chapter 10's rule of unintended IR35 consequencesA problem of unintended consequences occurred with the new IR35 legislation when it appeared to also envelop recruitment agencies and umbrellas…IR35
8 MAR 2021Budget (5): Reactions from the contracting communityAs the Budget dust settles, we round up with comments from industry experts.POLITICS
4 MAR 2021Budget (4): Help for self-employed doesn't go far enoughProfessional tax body, the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) welcomed the announcement by the Chancellor that those who commenced…POLITICS
4 MAR 2021Budget (3): Recruitment agency APSCo responds to the Chancellor's budgetAgency group APSCo gave a cautious welcome to measures within the Budget which will impact on the recruitment sector - but also called for support to…POLITICS
4 MAR 2021Budget (2): Key points for small firms and freelancersThe Budget promised support now but warned that the price would be tax rises in the future.POLITICS
4 MAR 2021Budget 1: No news isn't good news for freelancersThe economic survival during the Covid pandemic and the recovery after it dominated the Chancellor's Budget.POLITICS
3 MAR 2021Uber impact on IR35 and PSC contractorsThe Supreme Court recently upheld the decision that private hire Uber drivers were 'workers' for the purposes of employment law, and were…IR35
25 FEB 2021Will IR35 be mentioned in the 2021 Budget?There seems little hope of any further delays to the introduction of the new regulations on IR35 in April 2021.IR35
25 FEB 2021File tax returns now to prevent penaltiesSelf Assessment taxpayers have a few days left to submit their late tax returns to prevent a £100 penalty.BUSINESS
22 FEB 2021IR35 appeal victory for television presenterHMRC has lost a high-profile IR35 case appeal at the Upper Tier Tribunal involving television presenter Kaye Adams.IR35
16 FEB 2021HMRC release IR35 'compliance principles' ahead of reformHMRC has issued new guidance that informs businesses of the tax office's 'compliance principles' with regards to the April 6 roll out of IR35 reform…IR35
15 FEB 2021Glimmer of hope as contract placements rallyVacancies for contract and permanent jobs increased in January when compared to December 2020 as optimism returned to the professional recruitment…BUSINESS
8 FEB 2021Public Accounts Committee criticises support gaps for self-employedA report by the Public Accounts Committee says that 'quirks in the tax system' had led to gaps in support during the pandemic.BUSINESS
2 FEB 2021IR35 – is time charging an elephant?In this article, contractor law firm, Lawspeed, considers some specific issues surrounding engagements and, in particular, where contractors are paid…IR35
26 JAN 2021Welcome relief as late-filing penalties waived until MarchHMRC has given tax payers a bit of leeway by announcing that it will waive the late-filing penalties for self-assessment forms if they are filed…BUSINESS
21 JAN 2021Support for self-employed 'misses the mark'Freelancer group, IPSE, is again calling on the Government to work with business groups to plug the gaps in self-employed support and mitigate the…BUSINESS
13 JAN 2021Self Assessment customers spread cost of tax paymentAlmost 25,000 Self Assessment customers have set up an online payment plan to manage their tax liabilities in up to 12 monthly instalments, totalling…BUSINESS
11 JAN 2021Taxpayers warned January 31 deadline remains despite pandemicFreelancers and contractors who need to submit their 2019/20 Self Assessment tax return online still need to do so by the usual deadline of January…BUSINESS

2020

23 DEC 2020Lords report highlights concerns over HMRC powers safeguardsA House of Lords report has encouraged the Government to take tough action against a remaining 'hard core' of promoters of tax avoidance schemes…BUSINESS
16 DEC 2020Complex SEISS rules create 'climate of fear'The rules for claiming the third SEISS (Self-Employment Income Support Scheme) grant are stricter and more complex than before, warned a small…BUSINESS
11 DEC 2020'Frightening' CEST data shows IR35 tool fails to deliverThe Government's tool for checking IR35 status has been unable to deliver a verdict more than 188,000 times in the past year.IR35
7 DEC 2020Call for Freelance Commissioner to champion 'a sector in crisis'Small business groups are calling on the Chancellor to install a Freelance Commissioner and Future Workforce Commission to champion a sector which…BUSINESS
1 DEC 2020Freelancer earnings at second lowest on record in 'worrying new norm'Freelancers' average quarterly earnings are at the second-lowest level on record and the average freelancer did not work five weeks out of 13 this…BUSINESS
20 NOV 2020Warning from HMRC about criminal tax scamsSelf Assessment customers should be alert to criminals claiming to be from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).BUSINESS
17 NOV 2020IR35 reform poses biggest threat to contractors' businessFreelancers and contractors pinpoint IR35 reform as the biggest concern and greatest threat to their businesses despite COVID-19 threat and ongoing…IR35
10 NOV 2020Self-employed numbers continue to fallGovernment statistics show that the number of self-employed in the UK dropped by 174,000 between April-June and July-September 2020, leaving the…BUSINESS
5 NOV 2020Universal Credit extension welcomed for self-employedThe Government has announced it will extend the suspension of the Minimum Income Floor (MIF) for Universal Credit until the end of April next year.BUSINESS
3 NOV 2020Freelancers ignored again in self-employment supportAs the country heads for its second national lockdown, a third of the self-employed sector will remain 'wilfully ignored' by the Government plans to…BUSINESS
28 OCT 2020HMRC statement on IR35 Rules falls shortFollowing on from industry objections, HMRC has now issued a statement regarding its intended application of the new IR35 Off Payroll Rules set to…IR35
23 OCT 2020More help for self-employed but 'deep structural problems' remainThe Chancellor has announced that the amount paid to self-employed people through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) would double from…BUSINESS
20 OCT 2020Contracting in Germany remains resilient during Covid-19Opportunities for contractors in Germany have remained resilient despite the economic impact of the global pandemic, according to a study from agency…BUSINESS
19 OCT 2020Disparity in support for self-employed is 'grossly unfair'As the applications to the second round of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) draw to a close, a self-employed group has claimed that…BUSINESS
13 OCT 2020Self-employed fall to 2015 levelsGovernment data shows that the number of self-employed people in the UK in Q3 2020 has fallen by 240,000 compared to the same period last year.BUSINESS
7 OCT 2020Freelancer average earnings drop to lowest level on recordFreelancers' average quarterly earnings have dropped to the lowest level on record because of the coronavirus pandemic.BUSINESS
2 OCT 2020Self Assessment customers can benefit from enhanced payment plansSelf Assessment customers can apply online for additional support to help spread the cost of their tax bill into monthly payments without the need to…BUSINESS
25 SEP 2020Support for self-employed is 'woefully inadequate'The extension of the Government's support scheme for the self-employed has left freelancers out in the cold and facing 'a dark winter ahead'.BUSINESS
15 SEP 2020'Alarming and avoidable' drop in self-employmentLatest Government statistics show a 154,000 drop in the number of self-employed, following on from figures which revealed that the number of…BUSINESS
9 SEP 2020IR35 delay leads to U-turn on blanket bansThe delay to the private sector IR35 roll-out has encouraged more staffing firms and employers to 'get it right this time around', with recruiters…IR35
7 SEP 2020A tax hike for forgotten self-employed would be 'unfair'Fears are rising that the Government could raise Corporation Tax and National Insurance Contributions to pay for partial support during Covid.BUSINESS
1 SEP 2020Immigration figures driven by studyRecent migration figures for year end March 2020 show that increases in net migration and immigration are being driven by an increase in non-EU…BUSINESS
24 AUG 2020SEISS statistics are a reminder of 'devastating' gaps in supportFreelancer group, IPSE, has claimed that the latest Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) statistics are a reminder that over a million…BUSINESS
17 AUG 2020Freelancers see 'devastating' 25 per cent drop in income during lockdownIn the second quarter of 2020, freelancers' average income dropped by 25 per cent, according to the latest freelancer Confidence Index by…BUSINESS
11 AUG 2020Record fall in self-employed blamed on lack of supportGovernment statistics have shown that the number of self-employed has fallen by a record 238,000 in the second quarter of 2020.BUSINESS
6 AUG 2020Coronavirus phrases inspire hundreds of new start-up businessesMore than 200 newly-registered businesses have taken inspiration from the pandemic to meet an increase in demand for services connected to COVID-19.BUSINESS
29 JUL 2020HMRC wins high profile IR35 appealHMRC has won an appeal in an IR35 dispute with a high profile presenter.IR35
24 JUL 2020Government response to Treasury Select Committee is "deeply disappointing"The Government's response to the Treasury Select Committee on the gaps in Covid support has been described as 'deeply disappointing' and…BUSINESS
20 JUL 2020Government lambasted for ignoring House of Lords IR35 reportThe Government has been accused of having its head buried in the sand, as it 'all but ignored' the recommendations from the House of Lords…IR35
16 JUL 2020Slump in self-employed numbers is 'alarming and avoidable'Government statistics have revealed that the number of self-employed people in the UK dropped by 178,000 from last quarter and by 105,000 compared to…BUSINESS
7 JUL 2020Struggling self-employed urged to double-check eligibility for grantSelf-employed people impacted by Covid-19 are being encouraged to double-check whether they are entitled to the first round of the Government's…BUSINESS
2 JUL 2020MPs vote against further delay to IR35 reformMPs have voted against a move that would have delayed the controversial changes to IR35 in the private sector for a further two years.IR35
1 JUL 2020IR35 changes move through House of CommonsNo changes are expected to the proposals for the new IR35 rules in the private sector, as it continues its passage through the House of Commons.IR35
25 JUN 2020Businesses risk penalty if they forget to reinstate VAT direct debitBusinesses which have cancelled their direct debit in order to defer VAT payments, are reminded to set up a new one soon.BUSINESS
25 JUN 2020Disabled self-employed are missing out on Government supportAt least 50,000 disabled people who became self-employed last year are missing out on government support during Coronavirus, according to recent…BUSINESS
15 JUN 2020Treasury Committee urges Government to support freelancersA Treasury Committee report has recommended that the Government provides greater financial help to freelancers, who have been left behind by the…BUSINESS
11 JUN 2020Self-employed grant claimants warned of tax hitA tax advisory body is concerned that recipients of the Government's Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant might not realise that it is…BUSINESS
9 JUN 2020One in five freelancers expect to close downOne in five highly skilled freelancers expect to close their business because of the COVID-19 crisis, according to a recent survey.BUSINESS
1 JUN 2020Self-employment support scheme extended, but freelancers still ignoredThe Chancellor has extended the Coronavirus Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), but freelancer groups claim that hundreds of thousands of…BUSINESS
29 MAY 2020Chancellor urged to keep support for the self-employedFreelancer and self-employed group, IPSE, has written a letter to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, urging him to extend the Self-Employment Income…BUSINESS
22 MAY 2020Need for dedicated visa route for independent professionalsFollowing the second reading of the Immigration Bill in Parliament which paves the way for a points-based immigration system, agency group, APSCo…BUSINESS
21 MAY 2020Call for Government to extend support for self-employedThe Government is being urged to extend the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme for as long as the self-employed need it.BUSINESS
20 MAY 2020Calls to delay IR35 reform ignoredThe Government has pushed through the Finance Bill, meaning an amendment to delay the implementation of the controversial IR35 private sector rules…IR35
18 MAY 2020COVID-19 grant warning for new limited companiesThe Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) is warning owners of newly formed limited companies that it is unlikely they are eligible for the Self…BUSINESS
13 MAY 2020Warning to beware of 'ambulance chasers' for self-employment schemeThe Government has received praise from the self-employed sector for the 'impressive logistical achievement' of launching the Self-Employment Income…BUSINESS
6 MAY 2020Contractors to reject their client's IR35 decisionThe majority of contractors who had been assessed as inside IR35 by their private sector client plan to revert back to working outside the scope of…IR35
30 APR 2020Businesses reminded about VAT help as deadline approachesBusinesses that wish to defer VAT return payments must ensure that they cancel their direct debit in good time for VAT returns that are due on…BUSINESS
22 APR 2020Contractors and the newly self-employed urgently need more supportLimited company contractors and the newly self-employed urgently need more support during the Coronavirus crisis.BUSINESS
16 APR 2020Small Business Minister considers support for contractorsSmall Business Minister Paul Scully is considering ways of supporting limited company contractors that he can propose to the Chancellor.BUSINESS
14 APR 2020Tax-free payment helps with the cost of working from homeThe Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) is urging employers to consider supporting employees working from home because of the Coronavirus outbreak…BUSINESS
2 APR 2020Government contractors to receive COVID-19 income supportContractors engaged by Government departments, their Executive Agencies and Non Departmental Public Bodies, which includes the NHS, will receive…BUSINESS
27 MAR 2020Chancellor clarifies detail of self-employed announcementFollowing the Chancellor's announcement of financial support for the self-employed, the Treasury issued a statement clarifying some of the detail.BUSINESS
27 MAR 2020Contractors overlooked in self-employment packageThe Chancellor rolled out the much-anticipated package of financial support for the self-employed during the coronavirus - but many complained that…BUSINESS
23 MAR 2020Freelancers laid off, as all hiring 'falls off a cliff'A snapshot survey by recruitment agency body, APSCo shows that contractors are being told that their assignments have been terminated, and there is a…BUSINESS
20 MAR 2020Freelancer groups call on PM for emergency fundFreelancer organisations have written an open letter calling on Prime Minister Boris Johnson for a Temporary Income Protection Fund to support the…BUSINESS
18 MAR 2020IR35 reform delayed due to Corona Virus crisisThe Government has delayed the changes to IR35 in the private sector for a year in the wake of the Corona Virus crisis.IR35
11 MAR 2020Budget and IR35: No news is bad newsThe Budget dashed any remaining hopes of the freelancer community that there might be a delay or rethink to the much-criticised reforms of IR35 in…POLITICS
10 MAR 2020Doctors retire early over Budget 'Entrepreneurs' Relief' fearsFears the Government will scrap Entrepreneurs' Relief in the Budget on March 11 is resulting in many senior doctors and other professionals deciding…BUSINESS
6 MAR 2020Self-employed women 'under-value' themselvesMen earn considerably more than women in self-employment - significantly higher than among employees.BUSINESS
4 MAR 2020Government urged to support freelancers in Covid planningThe Government has been called on to create an 'emergency fund' to stop freelancers and the self-employed being 'left behind' in Corona Virus…BUSINESS
28 FEB 2020IR35 review 'recklessly inadequate'The Government IR35 review is 'recklessly inadequate', according to freelancer group, IPSE.IR35
25 FEB 2020IR35: Eamonn Holmes' tax tribunal defeatITV's This Morning presenter, Eamonn Holmes, has lost an IR35 tax tribunal.IR35
19 FEB 2020New immigration plans fail self-employedThe Government's new immigration rules are seriously flawed because they do not adequately cover the self-employed, according to a warning by…BUSINESS
12 FEB 2020Freelancers stop contracting due to IR35 changesNearly a third of freelancers are planning to stop contracting in the UK because of the changes to IR35 due in the private sector in April, according…IR35
11 FEB 2020Changes to timing of new IR35 rulesThe Government has changed the time period for the new IR35 'off-payroll' rules so that they will now only apply to payments made for services…IR35
11 FEB 2020Contractors urged to join protest against IR35 tax plansContractors are being urged to join a protest in Parliament against the changes to IR35 self-employed tax.IR35
3 FEB 2020Taxpayers with reasonable excuse can dispute late filing penaltyTaxpayers have the right to challenge penalties given by HMRC for missing the Self Assessment tax return deadline on January 31.BUSINESS
28 JAN 2020Concerns raised around IR35 implementation logisticsAgency group APSCo has met with Jesse Norman, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, to voice concerns about the logistics of the proposed implementation…IR35
21 JAN 2020IR35 scaremongering risks 'damaging talent ecosystem'Businesses must not succumb to fear mongering surrounding changes to off-payroll working in the private sector – and recruiters are best placed to…IR35
21 JAN 2020Self-employed reach record five millionSelf-employment has passed the five million mark for the first time, with one freelancer group attributing this to the rise in the number of women…BUSINESS
13 JAN 2020IR35 review falls short of freelancers' hopesIndustry and freelancer groups came out in condemnation of the Government's announcement that it would review the IR35 'off-payroll' changes in the…IR35
8 JAN 2020Government launches 'off-payroll review'The Government has launched a review into the implementation of changes to the IR35 off-payroll working rules - but industry reaction was a case of…IR35

2019

23 DEC 2019IPSE: Welcome Loan Charge review but warning over IR35 endorsementFreelancer group, IPSE has welcomed the review into the Loan Charge by Sir Amyas Morse, although the group would have liked to have seen a move to…BUSINESS
17 DEC 2019Half of businesses not ready for IR35 upheavalAround half of businesses are still unprepared for changes to off-payroll working in the private sector, which are due to come into effect in April…IR35
16 DEC 2019Call for new Government to keep IR35 promisesAs the dust settles on the new political landscape, freelancer groups are looking to the new Conservative Government to keep its promise to review…POLITICS
11 DEC 2019General Election 2019: Some facts, figures and funWith our third election since 2015 now only hours away, we take a look at some of the facts, figures and fun surrounding the 650 constituencies.POLITICS
11 DEC 2019Labour Business Group backs Labour's plan to reform IR35A left-wing business think-tank has welcomed Labour's plans 'to reform IR35'.IR35
9 DEC 2019IR35 to be reviewed, it's time to ask 'what next?'The controversial changes to IR35 in the private sector are due to be rolled out in just over three months, but with the promises of reviews coming…IR35
2 DEC 2019Chancellor says review of IR35 reform will take placeChancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid, has said that he would like to review IR35 reform.IR35
26 NOV 2019Labour pledges to halt IR35 in private sectorThe Labour Party pledged to stop the proposed changes to IR35 in the private sector, if elected in the forthcoming General Election.IR35
20 NOV 2019HMRC warns to be aware of Self Assessment tax scamsHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning millions of Self Assessment customers to be aware of fraudsters in the run up to the January 31 deadline.BUSINESS
15 NOV 2019Research 'lifts the lid' on IR35 business fearsThe majority of senior decision makers in medium and large-sized businesses are concerned about missing out on temporary talent ahead of the…IR35
12 NOV 2019Manifesto for the five million self-employed votesFreelancer and self-employed group, IPSE, has launched £5millionvotes, a manifesto for the 2019 General Election.BUSINESS
8 NOV 2019HMRC's defeat in latest IR35 television presenter caseITV presenter Helen Fospero has become the latest TV presenter to defeat HMRC in an IR35 tax tribunal, raising further concerns over the credibility…IR35
5 NOV 2019Over fifties are driving the rise of self-employmentMillions of older workers are joining and benefiting from the freelance sector, as the over fifties drive the rise of self-employment.BUSINESS
30 OCT 2019Calls to delay controversial IR35 legislationWith a cancelled Budget, a December election and a delayed Brexit decision, it comes as no surprise that freelancer groups are calling for a…IR35
29 OCT 2019TV presenter loses £400,000 IR35 appealFormer BBC presenter, Christa Ackroyd, has lost her IR35 appeal, and now faces tax and NI liabilities of £400,000.IR35
28 OCT 2019November Budget cancelled, amid concernsThe Government has confirmed that it has cancelled its November Budget, amid concerns from the freelancing sector that this could lead to rushed…BUSINESS
25 OCT 2019NEA is 'vital tool' for the self-employedThe New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) scheme has helped launch just over 200 businesses each week in the UK since 2017.BUSINESS
15 OCT 2019Queen's speech: 'Broadly positive' for self-employed and freelancersIn the Queen's speech, it was announced the Government will be creating a framework to allow the creation of pensions dashboards, where people can…BUSINESS
8 OCT 2019Lloyds IR35 decision is 'bad for contractors and business'Contractors with financial giant, Lloyds Banking Group, have become the latest group to suffer the adverse effects of the changes to the IR35…IR35
1 OCT 2019More private sector giants shun contractors over IR35 reformsReports suggest that financial giant, Barclays, has told its line managers that as a direct consequence of the private sector IR35 changes set for…IR35
25 SEP 2019Latest HMRC victory adds to IR35 'chaos' and 'confusion'The latest IR35 judgement against BBC presenters shows how confusing and complex the tax regulation is, according to members of the freelance sector.IR35
19 SEP 2019HMRC wins IR35 tribunal case against BBC presentersHMRC has won an IR35 Tribunal case against three BBC journalists.IR35
16 SEP 2019Contractors: Doom and gloom or driven and determined?As a contractor, it's hard not to receive emails or see news everywhere covering the pending IR35 off-payroll roll out to the private sector, or the…BUSINESS
12 SEP 2019Freelance sector 'flatlining' in the run-up to BrexitThe freelance sector is 'flatlining' because of Brexit pressure, according to recent research.BUSINESS
10 SEP 2019Recruitment bodies respond to IR35 technical consultationThe Association of Recruitment Consultancies (ARC) has lodged its response with HMRC to the July technical consultation on the draft legislation…IR35
5 SEP 2019Does the limited company opt out have a future?More than a decade ago, the EU had the laudable aim of protecting vulnerable agency workers from exploitation by giving them workers' rights.IR35
27 AUG 2019HMRC accuses 1,500 GSK contractors of IR35 offencesHMRC has accused nearly 1,500 contractors currently or previously engaged by pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline of non-compliance with regards to…IR35
21 AUG 20192019/2020 tax year changes - and the self-employedWe're now four months into the new tax year, which has seen the introduction of several big changes including some notable increases in tax…BUSINESS
14 AUG 2019Call to end 'war on contracting'The Prime Minister and Chancellor were called on to change course and end the 'war on contracting' by stopping the Loan Charge and the 'IR35'…IR35
14 AUG 2019Record self-employment powered by female freelancersNew Government figures show a record high of people working for themselves - leading to calls for more support for the self-employed.BUSINESS
8 AUG 2019Petition to counter IR35 reformsA contractor and the Treasury are involved in a war of words over an online petition about IR35 in the public sector and its proposed roll-out in the…IR35
2 AUG 2019HMRC's crusade against contractors is 'far from over'The HMRC crusade against so-called 'disguised employment' is far from over, as the tax man continues to target the contracting sector.IR35
30 JUL 2019HMRC glitch means self-employed could underpay taxIncorrect tax statements and missed reminders could result in self-employed taxpayers facing unexpectedly high tax bills in January 2020.BUSINESS
22 JUL 2019Businesses not ready for IR35 upheavalEmployers are largely unprepared for changes to off-payroll working in the private sector, which are due to come into effect in April 2020, according…IR35
15 JUL 2019Draft IR35 legislation confirms contractors' worst fearsThe draft Finance Bill 2019-20 confirmed the worst fear of the contracting sector that new off-payroll working IR35 rules in the private sector will…IR35
11 JUL 2019Another high-profile IR35 defeat for HMRCAnother celebrity presenter has defeated HMRC in an IR35 case giving a further high profile, embarrassing loss to the tax man in Tribunal cases.IR35
8 JUL 2019Contractor 'Off-Payroll' Lobby Day - Tuesday July 9On Tuesday July 9, the Stop The Off-Payroll Tax campaign is taking its message direct to MPs about the damaging Government plans to roll-out the…IR35
4 JUL 2019Brexit and Freelancer Tax deals double blowBrexit and the so-called 'Freelancer Tax' are dealing a double blow for UK's freelance workforce according to new research.IR35
25 JUN 2019Contracting sector calls for end to 'war on contracting'The contracting sector has called on the next Prime Minister to stop the Government's 'war on contracting' and instead support the UK's flexible…IR35
21 JUN 2019Contractors call for independent IR35 reviewsWith under a year until IR35 reform is extended to the private sector, nearly half of contractors believe independent IR35 reviews hold the key to…IR35
20 JUN 2019When no tax demand spells troubleRather than cheer the lack of an expected tax bill this summer, the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) is warning such people, which could…BUSINESS
14 JUN 2019'Stop The Off-Payroll Tax' campaign calls for supportThe Stop The Off-Payroll Tax campaign has written to the new Treasury Minister, Jesse Norman MP asking him to support UK contractors, rather than…IR35
11 JUN 2019More disabled people are choosing self-employmentMore disabled people than ever before are choosing self-employment, but are being let down by poor support from Government, according to research.BUSINESS
7 JUN 2019Agencies step up to shape IR35 implementationAgencies have come out in force to feed into their trade body's official response to HMRC's latest consultation on the implementation of the reform…IR35
3 JUN 2019'Government-led chaos' hits freelancersNew figures show a drop of over £4,000 (£4,302) in average quarterly earnings for freelancers, with the blame being squarely placed on Government…BUSINESS
31 MAY 2019Improvements needed to HMRC's IR35 assessment toolA leading tax authority has joined in the cry for improvements in the Government's online assessment tool for off-payroll working if the new rules…IR35
29 MAY 2019More confusion about self-employed over 'off-payroll' reformsOne in five UK sole traders are needlessly making plans to address the impact of proposed Off-Payroll reforms despite the legislation not affecting…IR35
28 MAY 2019Contractors not consulted about IR35 changesOn the day that the IR35 consultation closes, a survey shows that nine out of ten contractors have not yet been contacted by either their client or…IR35
22 MAY 2019Demand for contract professionals surges in NorwayGrowth in economic activity has led to a surge in demand for contract professionals in Norway.BUSINESS
16 MAY 2019Female freelancers lead senior level revolutionA significant rise in highly-skilled female freelancers has driven the UK's freelance revolution over the last 10 years according to new research.BUSINESS
15 MAY 2019More 'unfeasibly high' inside IR35 status assessmentsIR35 status assessments conducted by both the Met Office and the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) have delivered 'unfeasibly high' inside IR35 or…IR35
9 MAY 2019Figures show 'blanket approach' to 'inside IR35' assessmentsA Freedom of Information request has revealed that 98 per cent of IR35 status assessments carried out by High Speed 2 (HS2) in 2018 deemed the…IR35
9 MAY 2019Network Rail blanket IR35 assessment is 'deeply concerning'Network Rail has revealed that it has assessed 99 per cent of its contractors as 'inside IR35'.IR35
3 MAY 2019IR35 extension is a new 'stealth tax'The Association of Recruitment Consultancies (ARC) has claimed that the proposed extension of the public sector IR35 rules to the private sector…IR35
30 APR 2019Penalty warning for going too early on MTDThe Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) is advising businesses who have signed up for Making Tax Digital (MTD) but are yet to file their latest…BUSINESS
29 APR 2019Contract vacancies fall as permanent positions riseProfessional recruitment firms reported that demand for contingent workers decreased by two per cent year-on-year in January 2019, while vacancies…BUSINESS
22 APR 2019Self-employed sector on the rise despite BrexitNew figures revealed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the self-employed sector has grown by 76,000 compared to the same time last…BUSINESS
17 APR 2019HMRC loses another IR35 case to television starHMRC has lost another high-profile IR35 case, this time involving Loose Women presenter Kaye Adams.IR35
16 APR 2019HMRC toughens up on overseas workersBritish contractors were in the firing line as HMRC significantly increased its tax haul from information requests to overseas tax authorities.BUSINESS
11 APR 2019Call for Small Business Commissioner to fine late payersFreelancer group IPSE has supported calls to allow the Small Business Commissioner to fine companies who pay freelancers late.BUSINESS
10 APR 2019HMRC begins to issue late filing penaltiesHMRC is starting to issue late filing penalties for self-assessment income tax returns this week, which is earlier than originally expected.BUSINESS
22 MAR 2019Top TV presenter wins £1.2m IR35 battle with HMRCFreelance presenter and high profile television personality, Lorraine Kelly, has won her appeal at an IR35 Tax Tribunal in which HMRC claimed she…IR35
14 MAR 2019Welcome 'non-event' Spring StatementThe annual Spring Statement came and went without notice this week, as Parliament, the Government and the country prioritised Brexit deals and…POLITICS
14 MAR 2019No deal-vote welcome, but self-employed need certaintyFreelancer group, IPSE, has welcomed the Parliamentary vote opposing a no-deal Brexit.BUSINESS
8 MAR 2019Women turn to self-employment for better pay and working conditionsThe number of women turning to self-employment has risen by 57 per cent since 2008, as they seek better pay and working conditions.BUSINESS
6 MAR 2019Extending strict IR35 rules to private sectorThe Government has taken a step nearer extending the stricter rules on IR35 into the private sector.IR35
26 FEB 2019Boost for freelancers despite Brexit crash in confidenceThe freelance sector experienced a boost in earnings in the last quarter of 2018 despite the lowest confidence in the UK economy on record.BUSINESS
20 FEB 2019Employment at an all-time high? Look to the self-employed.The UK's strong labour market is being driven by the self-employed, according to freelancer group IPSE.BUSINESS
13 FEB 2019HMRC closes £100,000 IR35 enquiryHMRC has closed a year-long IR35 enquiry where the tax liabilities for the company under investigation could have exceeded £100,000.IR35
12 FEB 2019Contractors fear private sector is not ready for IR35 reformsThe vast majority of contractors have zero or very little confidence that the private sector will be ready to manage IR35 reform from April 2020.IR35
6 FEB 2019Hermes plans 'muddying the waters' of employment statusA deal by delivery company, Hermes, to offer its drivers a 'self-employment plus' contract is 'muddying the waters' in defining employment status…BUSINESS
31 JAN 2019Welcome rise in self-employment figuresThe number of self-employed people in the UK has risen to 4.85 million according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).BUSINESS
25 JAN 2019Reminder: One week left to file their tax returnsMore than 3.5 million tax payers have just one week left to complete their Self Assessment tax returns and pay any tax owed, warns HM Revenue and…BUSINESS
16 JAN 2019Prospect of no-deal Brexit poses threat to contractorsA 'no-deal' Brexit would jeopardise the position of thousands of contractors and freelancers working in Europe - and potentially also at home…BUSINESS
15 JAN 2019PM's Brexit deal as bad as 'no deal' for freelancersA majority of freelancers believe the Prime Minister's Brexit withdrawal agreement will hit their businesses almost as much as 'no deal'.BUSINESS

2018

18 DEC 2018IR35 rules contribute to NHS workforce crisisThe Government should look to self-employment to solve the NHS staffing crisis - and policy makers need to make the system work in order to achieve…IR35
5 DEC 201885 MPs risk losing seats over IR35 changesEighty-five MPs are at serious risk of losing their seats in Parliament at the next, possibly imminent General Election, if they do not back…IR35
5 DEC 2018Stop 'Scrooging' the self-employed and end late paymentA Parliamentary Committee has called for a clamp down on endemic poor payment culture that hits SMEs and freelancers.BUSINESS
4 DEC 2018Lords Report a damning indictment of HMRC's treatment of taxpayersA House of Lords Report has concluded that HMRC abuses the extra powers it has been given to tackle tax evasion and avoidance.BUSINESS
28 NOV 2018The Taylor Review and IT contractorsThe Government's response to the Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices gained a mixed reception when it was published earlier this year.BUSINESS
26 NOV 2018Hostile Government policies drive self-employment down againThe continuing drop in self-employed numbers is caused by damaging Government policies and uncertainty about Brexit, according to a freelancer group.BUSINESS
16 NOV 2018Unresolved IR35 issues after BBC tax scandalFollowing concerns raised by Parliament and individuals employed by the BBC, the National Audit Office investigated the nature of, and associated…IR35
12 NOV 2018India the most lucrative destination for contractorsMumbai in India is the most lucrative destination for foreign contractors, with European countries coming in bottom of a table of 16 key markets.BUSINESS
2 NOV 2018Budget (4): Further delay to HMRC penalty reformsThe small print in post-Budget announcements has revealed further delay to HMRC penalty reforms.POLITICS
31 OCT 2018Budget (3): Concerns low-paid might be forced out of ltd cosCampaigners for the low-paid are concerned that the IR35 anti-avoidance changes announced in the Budget could leave low-paid workers in the lurch.POLITICS
30 OCT 2018Budget (2): Reactions to delayed IR35 changesFreelancer groups gave a qualified sigh of relief that the proposed IR35 roll-out wasn't as bad as they feared.POLITICS
30 OCT 2018Budget (1): IR35 changes confirmed - but delayed until 2020The Budget brought the expected and feared IR35 changes to the private sector - but there are two sweeteners with the announcement - a delay until…POLITICS
29 OCT 2018Autumn Budget: News and viewsThe Chancellor will present the Autumn Budget to Parliament and the country today.POLITICS
17 OCT 2018'YOLO' workers: happy but unprepared for the futureSelf-employed workers are mostly financially secure and happy in the present, but concerned about the future, according to a new report.BUSINESS
10 SEP 2018Government's double whammy against the self-employedIn a double blow to the self-employed, the Government is U-turning on a pledge to abolish Class 2 NICs; and also looks poised to axe its flagship New…BUSINESS
13 JUL 2018IR35 – after Pimlico should one business be liable for another's tax?Several recent cases involving the 'gig economy', including Pimlico Plumbers, have raised questions around the wider business model of freelancing…IR35
28 MAR 2018BBC freelancer's £400,000 tax bill following IR35 investigationThe BBC has found itself making the news in the freelancer world recently.IR35
19 MAR 2018Skilled freelancers drive growth in self-employmentGrowth in the UK's self-employed sector has been fuelled by a rise in the number of highly skilled freelancers, not the gig economy, according to…BUSINESS
14 MAR 2018Spring Statement: Fewer words, less action, little surprisesAs is often the case with Government announcements, it is often more significant about what is not said than what is.POLITICS
12 MAR 2018Call on the Chancellor for clarity, support and encouragementSmall business group has called on the Chancellor to give some clarity, support and encouragement to the small and micro business sector in his…POLITICS
21 FEB 2018Plumbers set for test case employment status rulingA case about a plumber which is currently before the Supreme Court could have far-reaching consequences for those workers who are considered to be…BUSINESS
10 JAN 2018Self-employed call to new Small Business MinisterAndrew Griffiths, MP for Burton and Uttoxeter, has been appointed the new Small Business Minister in the recent Government reshuffle.BUSINESS
9 JAN 2018Self-employment boosts productivity growthFreelancer group has claimed that increasing self-employment has contributed to the latest Government figures which show that productivity levels…BUSINESS

2017

13 DEC 2017Self-employment continues to riseSelf-employment continues to rise, showing the growing desire for flexible working solutions, as the latest employment figures show an ongoing…BUSINESS
11 DEC 2017Small firms failing to prepare for new data lawsWith less than nine months to go until the introduction of strict new data protection and privacy laws, three-quarters of small and medium-sized…BUSINESS
23 NOV 2017Autumn Budget 2017 (4): Employment status consultationThe Government used the Budget to confirm that it intends to publish a discussion document on Good Work - the Taylor review of modern working…POLITICS
22 NOV 2017Autumn Budget 2017 (3): Mixed reaction to IR35 consultationThe freelancing world had a mixed reaction to the Budget announcement of a consultation into extending the public sector IR35 measures to the private…POLITICS
22 NOV 2017Autumn Budget 2017 (2): Consultation on IR35 changes in private sectorThe Chancellor gave the clearest signal yet that the controversial changes to IR35 in the public sector will be heading for the private sector.POLITICS
22 NOV 2017Autumn Budget 2017 (1): Headlines from the ChancellorThe Chancellor has presented his Autumn Budget to Parliament.POLITICS
17 NOV 2017Businesses predict freelancers will be workforce of futureBlended talent pools, comprising a mix of permanent employees, contractors and freelancers, will make up the workforce of the future.BUSINESS
8 NOV 2017Warning against VAT 'cash grab' on the self-employedA new report by the OTS (Office of Tax Simplification) recommends a comprehensive review of the VAT threshold with a view to reducing it from the…BUSINESS
7 NOV 2017Who are the self-employed? New report reveals the answerA new report has identified the nine distinct segments which make up the UK's broad solo self-employed population.BUSINESS
1 NOV 2017Call for IR35 clarity for private sector in BudgetThe Chancellor has been asked to use the Budget to shed light on 'damaging speculation' that IR35 reform will be extended to the private sector.IR35
30 OCT 2017Treasury speculates on extending new IR35 rules to private sectorGovernment sources have implied that the controversial public sector IR35 changes could be extended to the private sector.IR35
30 OCT 2017Call for changes to universal credit for the self-employedThe Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) has called for changes to the universal credit system for self-employed claimants.BUSINESS
24 OCT 2017Rerun of emotive arguments that contractors deprive public servicesA senior HMRC official has said that contractors were wrongly classifying themselves as outside the tax regulations in 90 per cent of cases.IR35
17 OCT 2017Transport projects suffer due to public sector IR35 changesFurther evidence is emerging that the public sector is being adversely affected by contractor shortages as the IR35 changes start to bite.IR35
12 OCT 2017Expat contractors in the firing line for HMRC enquiriesBritish contractors working abroad are coming under closer scrutiny from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as it steps up requests for information to…BUSINESS
3 OCT 2017HMRC urged to 'scale up' digital tax reporting pilotsHM Revenue and Customs has been called to 'scale up' the pilots of Making Tax Digital (MTD) and invest in a substantial publicity campaign for the…BUSINESS
29 SEP 2017IR35 Forum minutes highlight failures surrounding reformThe contents of July's IR35 Forum minutes reflect a sincere lack of understanding from HMRC when it comes to the true impact of recent and potential…IR35
11 AUG 2017Matchmaking scheme helps small businesses find financeSmall businesses struggling to access finance from big banks have received almost £4 million of funding thanks to an innovative scheme.BUSINESS
21 JUN 2017One in five of all identity frauds are against company directorsCompany directors running their own business are in a high risk category regarding identity fraud, in part due to the amount of information relating…BUSINESS
16 JUN 2017Rising inflation a 'cause for concern' for freelancersInflation has risen again, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics.BUSINESS
13 JUN 2017Umbrella payroll company at centre of massive VAT fraudA family of fraudsters pocketed more than £45 million owed to the taxman in a VAT scam revolving around an umbrella payroll company.BUSINESS
7 JUN 2017Freelancers feel unsupported by GovernmentWith the UK General Election hours away, 97 per cent of freelancers and contractors do not believe the current Government has their best interests at…POLITICS
7 JUN 2017Call for more clarity on Labour's small business proposalsThe Forum of Private Business, representing nearly 20,000 privately owned small businesses, is requesting clarification from Labour leader Jeremy…POLITICS
5 JUN 2017Small firms group sets out election agendaA small business pressure group is encouraging the future Government to create conditions for an increase in business performance and productivity…POLITICS
30 MAY 2017Freelancers urge 'Don't strangle the self-employed'A freelance pressure group has launched a publicity campaign to send the message "Don't strangle the self-employed" to political parties in the run…POLITICS
19 MAY 2017Agents manifesto call to promote flexible professional talentAgency trade body, APSCo, has launched its new manifesto which outlines the value of flexible, professional talent in a global market and contains…POLITICS
26 APR 2017Call for election clarity on employment status issuesAs the starting gun for the general election fires, one trade body has urged all parties to set out their respective positions on employment issues…POLITICS
3 FEB 2017IFS report says self-employed 'have unfair tax advantage'A report from The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has suggested that the self-employed benefit from an unfair tax advantage over their…BUSINESS
31 JAN 2017Growth in hiring despite uncertain outlookNew survey data from agency group, APSCo, reveals that both permanent and temporary placements have risen year-on-year.BUSINESS
30 JAN 2017Public sector contractors warned to get their invoices inA freelance lobby group has warned contractors working in the public sector to send their invoices before March 6, and receive payments due before…IR35
24 JAN 2017Challenge to support self-employmentSelf-employment continues to rise with 15 per cent of the entire UK now working for themselves.BUSINESS
20 JAN 2017Making Tax Digital: Treasury Committee report echoes business viewsA group of accountants and lawyers have welcomed the Treasury Committee's Making Tax Digital report, as echoing the views of the business community.BUSINESS
18 JAN 2017HMRC meets representatives about public sector IR35 rules and toolsHM Revenue and Customs has met a number of large agencies, public sector representatives and freelancer groups to discuss the proposed new public…IR35
18 JAN 2017More self-employed good for UK – but Government policy must keep upLatest Government figures show the number of self-employed people in the UK rose by 133,000 to 4.77 million in the three months to November 2016.BUSINESS
16 JAN 2017Making Tax Digital: Call for delay and extensive pilotingThe House of Commons Treasury Committee has called for a delay in the implementation of the Government's Making Tax Digital project and for more…BUSINESS

2016

12 DEC 2016There are now seven separate reviews into employment practicesThe Taylor Review has the best chance of solving Britain's chaotic employment practices for a generation after unwittingly becoming the epicentre of…BUSINESS
10 NOV 2016Majority of contractors feel unfairly targetedContractors are feeling under fire from the Government according to research.BUSINESS
7 NOV 2016Tax professionals call for delay to compulsory digital record keepingThe results of a survey of members of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) and the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) have strengthened…BUSINESS
2 NOV 2016Inquiry into self-employed, agency workers and 'gig economy'The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee has launched an inquiry into the future world of work, focusing on the rapidly changing nature…BUSINESS
31 OCT 2016Uber decision must not blur role of professional freelancersA recent decision by the Central London Employment Tribunal has raised concerns that the distinction between disguised employment or vulnerable…BUSINESS
27 OCT 2016Freelancers: 'Brexit uncertainty remains a concern'Brexit has had a significant impact on the confidence levels of the UK's 1.91 million freelancers, according to a national survey conducted by…BUSINESS
25 OCT 2016Creative freelancers losing over £5k a year due to unpaid workA survey of freelancers working in creative industries revealed an estimated average loss of £5,394 per person per year, due to working for free.BUSINESS
21 OCT 2016Agents express frustration with HMRC's IR35 reformsMembers of agency group APSCo voiced their frustration at what was deemed as a lack of clarity and information around the proposed public sector IR35…IR35
13 OCT 2016Tax experts call for better rules on penalising 'enablers'Tax experts are warning that Government proposals to penalise 'enablers' of tax avoidance schemes are too widely drawn and could result in some…BUSINESS
12 OCT 2016Recruitment trade body slams ITV report on supply teachersAgency group, APSCo, has slammed claims that schools are 'at the mercy of agencies' made during a special report on teacher recruitment by ITV's Good…BUSINESS
11 OCT 2016IR35 under spotlight as BBC presenters targetedThe controversial freelancer tax, IR35, has hit the headlines again as about 100 BBC presenters are being investigated over whether they paid too…IR35
23 SEP 2016Treasury Committee's warning on Making Tax Digital must be heededA group of tax experts is urging the Government to listen to advice contained in a letter from the Chairman of the Treasury Committee concerning the…BUSINESS
1 SEP 2016Think tank to tackle flexible workingAn independent review of flexible working from the 'gig' economy to 'Uberisation' and contracting has been launched by the Social Market Foundation…BUSINESS
3 AUG 2016Professional skill shortage threat in construction sectorWorsening skills shortages, particularly in the professional sector, rather than uncertainty over Brexit, are the main threat to the UK construction…BUSINESS
20 JUN 2016Demand for talent remains high in the UK's creative industriesDemand for professionals in London's creative occupations remains exceptionally high, with over a third of jobs in the sector found within the UK's…BUSINESS
15 JUN 2016Record levels of self-employment take UK closer to full employmentThe number of self-employed workers in the UK rose by 209,000 to 4.70 million in the three months to April 2016.BUSINESS
13 JUN 2016New IR35 proposals for public sector place burden on agenciesHMRC's latest proposals for reforming IR35 in the public sector could put agencies in the firing line for identifying the tax status of contractors.IR35
10 JUN 2016The more things change, the more they stay the same..Freelancer, Labour Party activist and political campaigner for freelancers and small businesses, Philip Ross, has returned to freelancing and to…BUSINESS
7 JUN 2016Growing number of working mothers opting to freelanceOne in seven of all freelancers are working mums - and it is a trend which is increasing as women with parental responsibilities find that…BUSINESS
6 JUN 2016Radio 4 profiles umbrella companies and contractingConfusing legislation for contractors working through umbrella companies was confronted by the BBC's Money Box programme this week.BUSINESS
1 JUN 2016HMRC withdraws hundreds of Accelerated Payment NoticesHMRC has withdrawn hundreds of Accelerated Payment Notices after admitting defeat following a Judicial Review application.BUSINESS
18 MAY 2016Growing army of self-employed good news for UK economyGovernment figures show that the number of self-employed has risen by 182,000 in the three months leading up to March 2016, compared to the same…BUSINESS
29 APR 2016HMRC admits contractor tax change legislation needs a rewriteHMRC has admitted getting the wording wrong in new travel and subsistence legislation and will have to rewrite it.BUSINESS
19 APR 2016Consultants hit by 'flawed VAT thinking'A professional tax body has claimed that HMRC's flawed thinking risks more small business consultants being overcharged VAT.BUSINESS
23 MAR 2016Budget2016 (7): Qdos - What you need to knowChancellor George Osborne stood up in the House of Commons to present the Finance Bill 2016, designed to 'act now, so we don't pay later' as he…POLITICS
21 MAR 2016Brexit could cause problems for contractorsA 'Brexit' in the upcoming EU referendum could negatively impact the UK contractor arena.BUSINESS
18 MAR 2016Budget2016 (6): Corporate and Business TaxThe small business community had much to welcome in the Budget, not least the removal of business rates; and the reduction in Corporation tax.POLITICS
18 MAR 2016Budget2016 (5): 'Missed opportunity' for contractorsRepresentative group, PRISM, was more disappointed about what was not in the Budget than pleased with the measures which the Chancellor announced.POLITICS
18 MAR 2016Budget2016 (4): Self-employed need financial support as well as mentoringThe low earning self-employed need financial support as well as mentoring according to the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG).POLITICS
17 MAR 2016Budget2016(3): Tightening up on public sector contractorsThe press trailed it and the freelancing sector feared it, but it is now clear that the Government intends to amend the IR35 legislation so that the…POLITICS
17 MAR 2016Budget2016 (2): Good for small businesses - but not freelancersOnce again, freelancers were left feeling like the poor relation of the small business community.POLITICS
16 MAR 2016Budget2016 (1): A summary of announcementsThe Chancellor delivered his Budget with a theme of putting the next generation first.POLITICS
16 MAR 2016Budget 2016: UKTECH's coverage for freelancersThe Chancellor's Budget speech will take place today (Wednesday, March 16, 2016) at 12.30.POLITICS
16 MAR 2016Worries about possible contractor rule change in BudgetThe freelancer community was showing its concerns that today's Budget (March 16) could hold yet more measures which will impact adversely on the…POLITICS
14 MAR 2016APSCo backs call for strategic review to end raw deal for contractorsAn agents' association has become the latest group to declare support for a wide ranging strategic review that could end the raw deal for contractors.BUSINESS
9 MAR 2016Simplifying tax for small companiesThe Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has unveiled a package of recommendations aimed at making the tax system simpler and easier to use for small…BUSINESS
9 MAR 2016Government urged to grasp the nettle on Income Tax/NICs alignmentA plan for radical reform of national insurance (NI) has been welcomed by the Chartered Institute of Taxation.BUSINESS
9 MAR 2016Aligning national insurance and income taxBringing National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and Income Tax (IT) closer together would create a simpler and fairer system for businesses and…BUSINESS
1 MAR 2016Call for Budget to back small businessesRepresentative group, the Federation of Small Business has called for the forthcoming Budget to back enterprise, reform business rates and simplify…POLITICS
1 MAR 2016Contractor opportunities on the increaseTemporary and contract vacancies have increased across the professional staffing market with opportunities up by six per cent year-on-year.BUSINESS
29 FEB 2016HMRC collects extra £3.5bn from SMEs for VAT underpaymentHM Revenue and Customs has raised an additional £3.5bn in the last year through inquiries into the under-payment of VAT by small businesses.BUSINESS
26 FEB 2016Campaigners urge delay to national insurance changesThe Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) has asked the Government to delay changes to national insurance contributions (NICs) for the self-employed…BUSINESS
25 FEB 2016Research reveals confusion about new T&S rulesResearch has revealed that only 35 per cent of UK hirers are fully conversant with the pending travel and subsistence (T&S) regulations.BUSINESS
23 FEB 2016The SME community sits on Brexit/Bremain fenceIn or Out?BUSINESS
19 FEB 2016Last push for petition on dividend taxSmall businesses are being urged to sign the petition calling on the Government to rethink the dividend tax, as a few days remain for it to be…BUSINESS
16 FEB 2016Chance to reduce tax bill before new dividend changeThe tax free dividend payment which was announced in the 2015 Budget was warmly welcomed - by almost everyone except contractors.BUSINESS
12 FEB 2016Contractors beware! HMRC is starting to play nasty!Contractors might have felt that they have been on the Chancellor's 'black list' for nearly two decades.BUSINESS
9 FEB 2016Public sector relying on private engineering contractorsThe public sector is increasingly relying on the skills of engineering contractors over permanent employees, according to contractor specialists…BUSINESS
5 FEB 2016Lobby for Germany to change contractor rulesAgency group, APSCo, and the British Embassy in Germany have committed to lobby the German Government over changes to international contractor laws.BUSINESS
3 FEB 2016Call for strategic review of UK legislation for freelancersA strategic review of the entire legislative framework relating to contractors is needed if the Government is to meet its long-term aim of a…BUSINESS
1 FEB 2016Freelancers report a confident end to 2015A national survey has revealed freelancers' confidence in both their business performance and the UK economy increased to encouraging levels in the…BUSINESS
1 FEB 2016Missed tax deadline? Consider 'reasonable excuses' appealIn an ideal world, everyone's tax return would have been submitted and paid by the Sunday, January 31 deadline.BUSINESS
28 JAN 2016Government defends quarterly tax reportingThe Government has been forced to defend its plans for the self employed and small businesses to file four tax returns a year rather than one as…BUSINESS
26 JAN 2016Call for evidence on impact of removal of travel reliefFour leading representative groups have joined together to call on businesses to help them gather evidence on the impact that the removal of travel…BUSINESS
8 JAN 2016Slower rises in demand for contract staffThe demand for temporary or contract staff continued to rise, although at a slower rate than in the previous month, which could signal the start of a…BUSINESS

2015

10 DEC 2015Details of plans to scrap tax relief for contractors emergeThe details of the changes to tax relief for travel and subsistence costs were met with mixed reaction from the freelancer world, as the draft…POLITICS
19 NOV 2015Travel and subsistence changes will hit contractors hardThe proposed changes to the travel and subsistence rules could have a devastating effect on some contractors.BUSINESS
18 NOV 2015Contractors unaware of restrictions on travel and subsistenceThe majority of contractors are unaware of looming legislation which would reduce their take home pay.BUSINESS
17 NOV 2015Freelancer call to action as trade group is 'hugely worried'Freelancer and self-employed lobby group, IPSE, has said that it is 'hugely worried' about the recent press reports that the Autumn Statement could…POLITICS
16 NOV 2015Silicon Roundabout start-ups fall by a thirdThe location of choice for new high-tech firms, Silicon Roundabout, has seen the number of start-ups falling by more than a third last year, but it…BUSINESS
13 NOV 2015HMRC's service must not suffer because of restructuringHM Revenue and Customs has announced a restructuring that will see its 170 offices close and be replaced by 13 regional centres as part of a ten-year…BUSINESS
11 NOV 2015Agency group lambasts wilful disregard of IR35 reportFollowing reports in the national press from 'Government sources' warning of a major crackdown on Personal Services Companies (PSCs), agency group…IR35
9 NOV 2015New idea for freelancer crackdown would cause 'untold damage'Speculation in the media during the weekend has led to concerns that the Government is intending to 'crackdown' on so-called 'personal service…BUSINESS
5 NOV 2015HMRC receives poor report from Parliamentary CommitteeThe influential Parliamentary Committee of Public Accounts (PAC) has highlighted its serious and ongoing concerns about evasion, avoidance and…BUSINESS
2 NOV 2015Government proposals will create 'black market' of healthcare workersThe latest Government proposals on mandatory price caps for 'agency workers' in the NHS will seriously compromise patient safety and are an ill…BUSINESS
22 OCT 2015Six times as much tax lost to fraud as to avoidanceOfficial figures show that nearly six times as much tax revenue is lost as a result of illegal activity as through tax avoidance.BUSINESS
21 OCT 2015Tax body's new approach to tackle IR35 non-complianceA professional tax body has suggested a new approach to tackle those who are ignoring or manipulating IR35 rules so they can avoid tax payments to HM…IR35
20 OCT 2015Entrepreneurial spark is alive and wellStatistics showing an annual boost of 146,000 new small businesses to the UK economy is a sign that the entrepreneurial spark is alive and well…BUSINESS
15 OCT 2015Self-employment falls for seventh consecutive monthThe number of self-employed has fallen by 26,000 in the three months leading up to August, compared to the same period in 2014, according to the…BUSINESS
13 OCT 2015New offence risks criminalising careless mistakesGovernment's plan to proceed with a criminal offence of failing to declare offshore taxable income or gains that threatens people with a prison…BUSINESS
12 OCT 2015Number of high earning financial service contractors doublesThe proportion of financial services contractors earning more than £750 per day has nearly doubled in the past year, from 6.3 per cent to 11.6 per…BUSINESS
8 OCT 2015Contractor demand slows downContractor or temporary billings increased at the weakest pace in the current 29-month period of growth, according to the latest report from agency…BUSINESS
6 OCT 2015Tax grab threatens contractors and temp workersMinisters are planning to mount a tax grab which threatens 1.6 million temporary workers with a 20 per cent pay cut, according to a trade body.BUSINESS
28 SEP 2015Government seeks to restrict 'tax motivated incorporation'The Government remains committed to reforming dividend taxation despite a petition of more than 25,000 signatories calling for a rethink.BUSINESS
10 SEP 2015Share of IT contractors in the public sector falls for third yearThe share of IT contractors working in the public sector has slumped to its lowest level in three years, whilst the number of IT contractors working…BUSINESS
10 SEP 2015Demand for contractors slows downThe end of the summer period continued to bring a slowing down in demand for contractors according to the latest survey by agency group Recruitment…BUSINESS
7 SEP 2015Petition calls for a rethink on dividend taxAn entrepreneur has started an online petition calling on the Government to rethink the controversial dividend tax.BUSINESS
3 SEP 2015Engineering contractors benefit from investment in transportationAn investment in road and rail projects combined with a growth in new car sales has contributed to an increase in opportunities for engineering…BUSINESS
2 SEP 2015Income Tax and NIC - hard choicesDo you know how much of your national insurance and income tax contributions go towards paying for state services, such as the NHS?BUSINESS
25 AUG 2015New dividend allowance is tax rise 'by the back door'A professional accounting body has expressed 'serious concern' that the £5,000 tax free dividend allowance is a tax rise by 'the back door'.BUSINESS
24 AUG 2015Teachers opting for flexibility over permanent rolesGrowing numbers of supply teachers would turn down the opportunity to work on a permanent basis if offered a contract position, according to a recent…BUSINESS
20 AUG 2015HMRC's factsheet on new dividend treatmentsHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has published an information fact sheet on the new dividend tax free allowance which will come into effect from April…BUSINESS
18 AUG 2015Self-employed react to latest inflation figuresTravel was top of the agenda for an impact on the self-employed as the latest set of inflation figures were released.BUSINESS
14 AUG 2015Government needs to unlock potential investmentInfluential body, the Institute of Directors (IoD), has called on the Government to do more to unlock potential investment for enterprising…BUSINESS
5 AUG 2015IR35 proposals would be a disaster for the contractor recruitment sectorAgency group, APSCo, has said that the recent proposals for an IR35 Mark 2, could have a devastating effect on the recruitment sector which services…IR35
27 JUL 2015Government's failure to legislate could lead to IR35 Mark 2IR35 is back on the political agenda with a Government consultation document which promises 'Son of IR35' or IR35 Mark 2.IR35
21 JUL 2015IR35 Mark 2 heads closer as Government consultsThe Government has set out its proposals to fulfil its Budget commitment to make the controversial freelancer tax, IR35, 'more effective in…IR35
9 JUL 2015Summer Budget 2015 (4): Attack on contractors' dividendsSome contractors who remunerate themselves via the dividend route are likely to be affected by the Chancellor's announcement of 'a major and long…POLITICS
3 JUL 2015Small firms reminded about pensions dutiesA new Government campaign will remind smaller companies of their duties to automatically enrol workers into a pension scheme.BUSINESS
2 JUL 2015Government commissions report on self-employmentThe Government has commissioned an independent review of self-employment in the UK to examine and report on 'the challenges and opportunities for…BUSINESS
26 JUN 2015Self-employment ambassador puts IR35 back on agendaThe Government's self-employment ambassador has put IR35 back on the agenda, after being re-appointed to the role.IR35
22 JUN 2015Agency group hits back at NHS claimsAgency body, the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has hit back at the condemnation of the recruitment sector's involvement in…BUSINESS
15 JUN 2015HMRC pay to informants hits record highPayments made by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to informants have hit a record high in the past year, reaching £605,000, up from £402,000 in the…BUSINESS
26 MAY 2015Government bans exclusivity clauses in zero-hour contractsEmployers who do not guarantee workers any hours of work, but prevent them from working for another employer, could face legal ramifications after…BUSINESS
22 MAY 2015What can the recruitment sector expect in the next five years?With the Conservatives settling in as the governing party for the next five years, the Association of Recruitment Consultancies (ARC) takes a look at…BUSINESS
22 MAY 2015New Enterprise Bill gives light to small businessesNew measures to support entrepreneurs and job creation have been set out in Sajid Javid's first speech as Business Secretary.BUSINESS
12 MAY 2015Sajid Javid is new Secretary of State for BusinessSajid Javid MP for Bromsgrove is the new Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.BUSINESS
8 MAY 2015GE15: What the election means for freelancersAfter a night of election surprises and shocks, the road to number 10 will be lined with a blue carpet; Labour has red faces along with their…POLITICS
13 APR 2015Sharp rise in number of new construction businessesThere has been a sharp rise in the number of new construction businesses being set up – the first time the sector has seen a net increase since the…BUSINESS
20 MAR 2015Budget 2015 (5): Reactions from freelancer communityThe Budget contained few surprises given it had been so widely trailed.POLITICS
19 MAR 2015Budget 2015 (4): Farewell to the Self-Assessment Tax ReturnsThe Chancellor announced the death of the tax return, freeing 12 million people from what can be a 'complex, costly and time-consuming' process that…POLITICS
19 MAR 2015Budget 2015 (3): Reaction from BrooksonSpecialist contractor accountants, Brookson, gives their reaction to the pre-Election Budget.POLITICS
19 MAR 2015Budget 2015 (2): Clampdown on travel and subsistence for umbrella companiesThe freelancer world had been expecting an announcement on some form of tightening up on rogue agencies and umbrella companies with regard to travel…POLITICS
18 MAR 2015Budget 2015 (1): Pre-Election Budget speech in fullChancellor George Osborne has delivered his 2015 Budget Statement to Parliament.POLITICS
17 MAR 2015Budget 2015: What lies ahead for freelancers?The last Budget of this Government will take place tomorrow (Wednesday March 18).POLITICS
16 MAR 2015HMRC staff satisfaction falls as pressure increasesHM Revenue and Customs staff feel increasingly undervalued, with the proportion of staff that think that their pay adequately reflects their…BUSINESS
6 MAR 2015Contractors comply with off-payroll public sector rulesAn evaluation of rules designed to ensure that those working as temporary Government contractors are meeting their tax obligations has found that 95…IR35
5 MAR 2015Self-Employment Ambassador's criticism of Labour PartyThe Government's self-employment ambassador has hit out at the Labour Party for its failure to recognise the importance of the self-employed to the…BUSINESS
13 FEB 2015Contractor market starts 2015 in rude healthThe contractor or contingent professionals market-place was described as 'buoyant' after one contractor service group reported a strong start to 2015.BUSINESS
19 JAN 2015Healthcare contractors remain confidentHealthcare contractors are confident that demand for their services will remain high despite some on-going criticism of the NHS' use of external…BUSINESS
15 JAN 2015Collective power of freelancersInteresting article in the Guardian which highlights how freelancers throughout Europe can band together to improve their buying power and provide…PRESS
9 JAN 2015IR35 recommendations and responses are mainly 'rhetoric'The recommendations and responses relating to the review of the administration of IR35 have been dismissed as 'a PR plan' by a firm of specialist…IR35
8 JAN 2015Lack of action on review of IR35 administrationContractors will be disappointed at the lack of action from HM Revenue and Customs in response to a review of the new approach to IR35 compliance.IR35
5 JAN 20151,773 happy returns at Christmas..and a New Year ResolutionIf you haven't already done so, a valuable New Year Resolution will be to send your 2013/14 tax return to HM Revenue and Customs...and pay any tax…BUSINESS

2014

19 NOV 2014Government appoints 'freelancer tsar'The Government used the occasion of National Freelancers Day (November 19) to announce the appointment of David Morris MP as the UK's first…BUSINESS
19 NOV 2014Government should back down on insolvency changesLeading small business trade groups are calling on the Government to accept an Opposition amendment in the Small Business Bill and back down on…BUSINESS
18 NOV 2014Doctor sentenced for tax fraudA London GP who under-declared his income by £700,000 in a tax fraud has been sentenced after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).BUSINESS
7 NOV 2014Welcome for end of Business Entity Tests..but what follows?Two years ago, the IR35 Forum introduced a set of 'Business Entity Tests' (BETs) which were intended to make life simpler for those contractors…IR35
6 NOV 2014Accountant on suspicion of sub-contractor fraudFour people, including an accountant, were arrested by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on suspicion of a £2.2 million tax fraud following early morning…BUSINESS
5 NOV 2014Ten things HMRC wants you to know about tax avoidance schemesHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a list of '10 things a tax avoidance scheme promoter won't always tell you'.BUSINESS
29 OCT 2014Upfront tax avoidance demands top £250mHM Revenue and Customs has sent notices to tax avoidance scheme users to pay over £250 million of disputed tax under the controversial Accelerated…BUSINESS
20 OCT 2014HMRC tax yield from construction investigations hits recordThe taxman's yield from investigations into the construction sector jumped by seven per cent to a record £131 million last year, up from £122 million…BUSINESS
17 OCT 2014'Tax Gap' shows five times as much lost to fraud as to avoidanceThe tax gap, which is the difference between the amount of tax due and the amount collected, was 6.8 per cent of tax liabilities, or £34 billion, in…BUSINESS
17 OCT 2014Reminder on paper tax returnsHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning people who have to complete a 2013/14 tax return that paper returns received after the October 31 deadline…BUSINESS
16 OCT 2014Foreign engineers coming to the UK rise as skills shortages deepenThe number of non-EU engineers coming to the UK to address acute skill shortages has jumped by 36 per cent over the past year, as the supply of…BUSINESS
15 OCT 2014Vast majority of finance contractors expect an opportunity explosionThe vast majority of finance contractors expect an opportunity explosion in the next 12 months, as optimism continues to grow across the contracting…BUSINESS
14 OCT 2014London is the hub for creating new businessesLondon outdoes the rest of the UK's top 150 towns and cities for business generation, creating 20 times more additional new businesses per capita…BUSINESS
13 OCT 2014HMRC's customer satisfaction survey gives mixed resultsHM Revenue and Customs' (HMRC) latest customer satisfaction survey with tax payers, accountants and SMEs has delivered a mixed result, indicating the…BUSINESS
13 OCT 2014Contractors more optimistic about prospects as recovery gathers paceContractors are increasingly optimistic about their prospects for the year ahead, as the economic recovery picks up, according to recent research.BUSINESS
2 OCT 2014Insolvency reform needed for small businessesThe next Government must commit to a series of reforms of the UK's insolvency regime to ensure a better deal for small businesses, taxpayers, and…BUSINESS
10 SEP 2014Growth for contractors in renewable energy projects in EuropeThe number of new positions for renewable energy contractors in Europe is expected to continue to rise over the next few years, as countries rush to…BUSINESS
2 SEP 2014Freelancer group, PCG evolves into 'zeitgeist' IPSEFreelancer trade group, the PCG, has relaunched, rebranded and renamed itself as the Association for Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed…BUSINESS
5 AUG 2014HMRC close the net on offshore payment intermediariesThe change in legislation to place the compliance burden and tax/NI risk on recruitment agencies who pay their contractors via offshore payment…BUSINESS
25 JUN 2014'Landmark' law for small businessesThe process has started for a new piece of Government legislation which is intended to remove barriers to growth for small firms, strengthen the…BUSINESS
24 JUN 2014Call for business skills to begin in the classroomA call for business skills and entrepreneurship to begin in the classroom has been welcomed by the business community.BUSINESS
23 JUN 2014Startup ideas come to entrepreneurs on holidayNow summer is underway, millions of workers across the UK will be counting the days until they can jet off for their summer holiday.BUSINESS
23 JUN 2014Lords PSC Report: Scepticism at HMRC's IR35 figuresCalls for HM Revenue and Customs to justify IR35 in hard terms of cost and risk are gathering pace.IR35
20 JUN 2014Warning about false self-employment payroll schemesSome new payroll schemes offered by payroll intermediaries, such as construction payment companies or payroll companies that sit between the…BUSINESS
19 JUN 2014Ongoing investment drives demand for IT contractorsIT contractors are expecting a large number of roles to be created in financial services in the next 12 months as investment in the sector continues…BUSINESS
17 JUN 2014HMRC pays out £4.6 billion in corporation tax refundsHM Revenue and Customs paid out £4.6 billion to businesses in refunds for corporation tax last year, as tough trading conditions continue to hit…BUSINESS
16 JUN 2014Lords PSC Report: No plans for clients to have responsibility for IR35The Government has confirmed that it has no plans to make end client businesses responsible for IR35 in circumstances where such businesses engage a…IR35
16 JUN 2014Umbrella contractors want an holistic employment packageContractors want access to greater professional HR support and a more holistic offering from umbrella companies.BUSINESS
13 JUN 2014Lords PSC report: Mixed reactions to Government responseThe Government's response to the House of Lords Select Committee on Personal Service Companies (PSCs) had mixed reactions from industry and trade…IR35
11 JUN 2014Women under-represented in freelancingWomen are significantly under-represented in the field of contracting - with the proportion who are working as contractors less than half that of…BUSINESS
6 JUN 2014More wanted from Government plans on late paymentsThe Association of Recruitment Consultancies (ARC) has argued that more needs to be done in regards to building a responsible payment culture so…BUSINESS
21 MAY 2014Taxman gets tough - particularly with self-employedHM Revenue and Customs has doubled the number of people being investigated in the past years, with a particular focus on the self-employed.BUSINESS
23 APR 2014Government projects mean high demand for engineering contractorsThe number of engineering contractors working on railway services has shot up as a result of Government investment in projects such as Crossrail.BUSINESS
22 APR 2014Late payment remains a concern for SMEsDespite positive news on the UK economy, the continuing culture of late payment remains a concern for many small businesses according to the latest…BUSINESS
10 MAR 2014Business invited to help reform enforcement of regulationTrade associations are being urged to make the case to reform specific regulatory burdens on business - and the Government is offering finance to…BUSINESS
14 FEB 2014Rules on false self-employment go too farThe Government's latest attempt to tackle abuse of the rules around false self-employment is justified, but loose definitions could mean it catches…BUSINESS
6 FEB 2014Government fails to understand complexities of onshore intermediariesAs the consultation on tackling 'false self-employment' comes to an end, a number of organisations have expressed their concern that while the aim of…BUSINESS
3 FEB 2014Consultation on 'false self-employment' comes to an endNew rules proposed by HM Revenue and Customs on 'false self-employment' will bring in more tax for the Exchequer but will not provide better…BUSINESS
17 JAN 2014Young people choose to run own businessesThe number of people between 18 and 24 either starting a small business or freelancing almost doubled in the past 12 months, according to a survey of…BUSINESS
8 JAN 2014A link between dividends and IR35 investigations?A leading accountant recently told the House of Lords enquiry into Personal Service Companies (PSCs) that he was 'independently aware' that HM…BUSINESS

2013

24 DEC 2013Christmas message to readers, December 2013UKTECH wishes readers, contributors, customers, partners and advertisers a happy Christmas and a prosperous 2014, with updates and reviews promised…BULLETIN
11 DEC 2013AS2013 (5): Government consults on 'false self employment'Following the announcement in the Autumn Statement that the Government intended to act on what it described as 'false self-employment', it has now…POLITICS
6 DEC 2013AS2013 (2): 'False self-employment' and the fear of unintended consequencesThe Chancellor's Autumn Statement introduced a new description into the already complex world of employment status jargon - that of 'false…POLITICS
2 DEC 2013HMRC uses Google Street View to catch tax evadersNosy neighbours might have once been the extent of prying eyes in a neighbourhood, but now, thanks to technological advances, it is the tax man who…BUSINESS
22 NOV 2013HMRC says no let-up in tax investigationsHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that there will be no let-up in its tax investigations policy despite the organisation undergoing further…BUSINESS
24 OCT 2013The smallest businesses drive growthThe freelancer and 'one-man-band' business models are driving the rise of new businesses in the UK according to latest figures from the Government.BUSINESS
22 OCT 2013British female freelancers grow by a fifth over four yearsNew statistics show a surge in women going it alone in business, with the number of female sole traders growing by more than a fifth (21 per cent)…BUSINESS
4 OCT 2013Call to rethink immigration to meet IT skills shortageA skills shortage in areas such as oil and gas and IT is threatening to derail recovery and undermine the country's growth prospects, according to a…BUSINESS
1 OCT 2013Publication of new Agency regulations to be delayedAccording to Government sources the new laws for replacing the existing Employment Agencies Act and the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment…AGENCIES
9 SEP 2013Small business owners turn to innovationInternational research released has revealed the true resilience of small business owners – who are responding to challenging trading conditions with…BUSINESS
5 SEP 2013New way of dealing with disputes with the taxmanA new way for small businesses to deal with disputes with the taxman is being rolled out nationwide after what is seen to be successful trials in…BUSINESS
3 SEP 2013Unions' attempt to alter agency workers' rights is 'cynical'The trade unions' complaint to the EU Commission that the UK implementation of the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) has not adequately protected…BUSINESS
2 SEP 2013Unions call for 'Swedish derogation' to be bannedUnion group, the TUC is calling for the so-called Swedish derogation contracts, used by umbrellas and agencies in relation to the Agency Workers…BUSINESS
30 AUG 2013SMEs and design sector attracted to freelancersThe flexibility and reduced costs of using freelancers are becoming increasingly popular around the world, according to one of the largest global…BUSINESS
27 AUG 2013UK is a positive place to start a businessStarting a business in the UK might seem a daunting red-tape tangle, but a recent report shows that the UK is one of the top five countries in the…BUSINESS
19 AUG 2013Call for umbrellas and intermediaries to be in new regulatory frameworkAn agency trade body has said that its members want the new government proposals to provide a regulatory framework to include umbrellas and…AGENCIES
14 AUG 2013HMRC gets tough on tax avoidanceThe clear message from politicians in recent times has been to get tough on tax evasion and avoidance.BUSINESS
9 AUG 2013Work/life balance attracts freelancersThe secret to a successful life/work balance is to become a contractor according to a survey by specialist freelancer accountants, SJD Accountancy.BUSINESS
18 JUL 2013Welcome for Government decisions on agency regulationThe Association of Recruitment Consultancies (ARC) has applauded the Government for what it described as a considered approach on the consultation on…AGENCIES
12 JUL 2013Government acts on reforming recruitment industryThere was mixed reaction to the Government's response to the recent consultation on the future of regulating the agency market.AGENCIES
8 JUL 2013RTI adds to soaring cost of compliance for small firmsDespite Government promises to reduce the amount of time and money businesses spend on compliance costs, the average SME in 2013 pays substantially…BUSINESS
18 JUN 2013Contractors face HMRC fines and penaltiesMore than a third of UK contractors have received a fine from HM Revenue and Customs, often due to missing deadlines or failing to understand their…BUSINESS
14 MAY 2013Agency and umbrella on taxman's name and shame listHM Revenue and Customs has published its second 'name and shame' list of tax defaulters, which includes a recruitment agency and an umbrella provider…BUSINESS
24 APR 2013Extension to lending scheme aimed at small firmsThe Bank of England and the Treasury have extended the Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) with the intention that banks will be incentivised to lend to…BUSINESS
23 APR 2013Welcome for new way to deal with tax man disputesEvaluation of HM Revenue and Customs' alternative scheme to resolve disputes with the use of a facilitator has shown encouraging first signs of…BUSINESS
23 APR 2013Recruitment dips for IT contractors in finance sectorRecruitment in the IT sector is experiencing a decline for both contract and permanent staff, according to a recent survey.BUSINESS
22 APR 2013Umbrella company introduces Gap PayProfessional umbrella employment provider, giant group, has become the first organisation of its kind to offer Gap Pay to its contractor employees.BUSINESS
19 APR 2013Demand for interim managers on the riseThe demand for interim managers is increasing, according to a new survey, which shows a rise in the number of assignments started, in progress and…BUSINESS
18 APR 2013May Day alert for late tax returnsIf you haven't sent in your 2011/12 tax return online, now is the time to act to prevent more penalties.BUSINESS
17 APR 2013Corporation tax refunds jump £2 billion in one yearThe value of Corporation Tax (CT) refunds paid out by HM Revenue and Customs leapt by £2 billion last year to £7 billion, up 40 per cent on the year…BUSINESS
15 APR 2013Increase in public sector opportunities for engineering contractorsThe public sector has seen the number of its engineering contractors almost double since 2011, according to umbrella employment provider, giant group.BUSINESS
12 APR 2013Agency group rejects Government's idea of self-regulationThe Government's proposals to move agencies to a more self-regulated position have received the thumbs-down from one trade group who fear it could…AGENCIES
21 JAN 2013Agency proposals solve some problems but create othersAn agency representative group said that the Government's proposals to reform the regulatory framework for employment agencies and businesses solve…AGENCIES
18 JAN 2013Government consults on reform of agency regulationsThe Government is consulting on whether or not to allow employment agencies to move to a more self regulatory regime.AGENCIES
18 JAN 2013100 more inspectors to fight affluent tax dodgersThe tax team dedicated to targeting the wealthy are strengthening their numbers and expanding the scope of the unit to bring the less 'well off'…BUSINESS
17 JAN 2013Top tax professional joins HMRC's boardA leading tax commentator and campaigner is set to join HM Revenue and Customs as a non-executive Director.BUSINESS
17 JAN 2013Sign up now for first time online filingAlthough the Self Assessment tax return deadline is midnight on Thursday January 31 2013, the deadline for action by first time online filers is 10…BUSINESS
15 JAN 2013The case of the lap dancer, MOO and employment rightsA former dancer with Stringfellows night club is set to take her fight for employment rights to the Supreme Court to prove she was an employee.BUSINESS
15 JAN 2013Countdown begins to Real Time InformationHM Revenue and Customs has entered count down mode to Real Time Information – the biggest shake-up to Pay As You Earn (PAYE) in nearly 70 years.BUSINESS
11 JAN 2013Government reveals significant increase in MSC tax investigationsThe Government has stepped up its use of the Managed Service Companies (MSC) legislation to recover tax and National Insurance in the past year.BUSINESS
10 JAN 2013IT contractors have faith in public sectorIT contractors are increasingly confident about potential job opportunities in the public sector, despite the "on payroll" issues of the past 12…BUSINESS
9 JAN 2013Government contracts should not go to tax avoiding firmsMPs have criticised HM Revenue and Customs for awarding multi million pound contracts to large IT companies who are identified as avoiding tax…BUSINESS
9 JAN 2013Businesses warned to sort out late VAT returnsBusinesses with outstanding VAT returns have until the end of February to put their affairs in order before HM Revenue and Customs comes after them.BUSINESS
8 JAN 2013Flexible workforce in demand in 2013The contractor workforce will be in increasing demand in 2013 according to agency body, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC).BUSINESS
7 JAN 2013Government extends help to young entrepreneursYoung people with entrepreneurial ideas are being urged to apply for Government loans to turn their business ideas into reality.BUSINESS
4 JAN 2013HMRC launches rogues' gallery of tax cheatsHM Revenue and Customs has published a rogues' gallery of top tax cheats of 2012.BUSINESS
4 JAN 2013PAYE attention – RTI is comingBusinesses are being urged by HM Revenue and Customs to start preparing for major PAYE changes that come into effect in three months' time with Real…BUSINESS
3 JAN 2013Businesses turn to contractors in 2012Businesses have turned to contractors to meet their professional level staffing requirements rather than increase their permanent headcount.BUSINESS
2 JAN 2013The taxman urges you to find 'inner peace'HM Revenue and Customs is using an advertising campaign more reminiscent of a recruitment drive for an Eastern mystical religion than a reminder to…BUSINESS

2012

12 DEC 2012'From minor to major' - reactions to new IR35Black and white were never the colours of IR35, so it seems unfortunately appropriate that the first legal attempt to strengthen its provisions…IR35
4 DEC 2012They can tax me, but the moral high ground is mineSince when has the Government of this country felt able to abrogate their responsibilities as law-makers and pass it to the moral judgement of the…VIEWPOINT
5 NOV 2012Supply teachers in tax row over offshore umbrella companyAn investigative radio programme has claimed that thousands of public sector workers have unwittingly been part of a massive tax avoidance scheme to…BUSINESS
2 NOV 2012Small firms warned as spot checks on record keeping returnHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is re-introducing its controversial programme of spot checks on the record-keeping of small firms.BUSINESS
31 OCT 2012Freelancing on the agenda at Labour Party ConferenceFreelancing and small business issues were on the agenda at the recent Labour Party Conference in Manchester on the floor of the main hall and in…POLITICS
30 OCT 2012Quarter of firms are unaware of the looming changes to PAYEA quarter of small businesses are unaware of the biggest change to PAYE for 60 years, with the introduction of 'Real Time Information' only six…BUSINESS
29 OCT 2012OTS boss aims for a 'simpler tax system'The boss of the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has admitted that he doesn't believe there will ever be a 'completely simple tax system' but that…PRESS
26 OCT 2012Tax reliefs cap will hit business ownersTax experts are warning that the Government's proposed cap on income tax reliefs will not just affect high earners, but as currently framed it will…BUSINESS
25 OCT 2012Private sector businesses hit record levelNapoleon supposedly described the United Kingdom as a 'nation of shopkeepers', but nowadays 'a nation of small businesses' might be more appropriate.BUSINESS
24 OCT 2012Agency Worker Regulations had less impact than fearedAs the Agency Workers Regulations reach their first anniversary, another survey has confirmed findings that the UK's demand for a flexible workforce…BUSINESS
24 OCT 2012New 'definitive' Government website rolls outThe Government has launched its new website, gov.uk, which will initially replace Business Link and Directgov.BUSINESS
23 OCT 2012Small businesses are 'easy target' for HMRC crackdownHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is targeting small businesses with a 'low cost, high return' strategy, according to a leading firm of accountants.BUSINESS
23 OCT 2012New small claims track for businesses with IP disputesA new small claims track has been introduced to the Patents County Court (PCC), which is intended to speed up the court process and make it cheaper…BUSINESS
22 OCT 2012BBC investigates dodgy expenses for tempsThe BBC turned its investigation spotlight on a complex practice which sees some agencies paying their temporary workers 'spurious' expenses which…BUSINESS
19 OCT 2012Tax gap leaves HMRC with £32 billion shortfallHM Revenue and Customs has estimated the tax gap - the amount of tax which should have been paid but wasn't - at £32 billion in 2010/11.BUSINESS
17 OCT 2012The growth of European I-Pros - independent professionalsThe number of freelance professionals - or I-Pros - in Europe has doubled since 2000 according to an independent report recently launched at the…BUSINESS
2 SEP 2012HMRC's business tests at heart of new rules for contractorsAfter leaks, speculation and rumours, the Cabinet Office has now confirmed the arrangements that individual Government Departments will have to make…IR35
29 AUG 2012Contractors turn backs on public sectorRecruitment agencies are already reporting that the Government's tighter controls on the public sector use of 'off payroll' workers are having an…IR35
22 AUG 2012IR35 'investigation' ends in three weeksThere has been much speculation about how HMRC's new approach to IR35 investigations with business entity tests and letters to freelancers would work…IR35
14 AUG 2012Warning to keep HMRC in the pictureA small business group has warned entrepreneurs to keep HM Revenue and Customs informed about any changes to their business, no matter how small they…BUSINESS
3 AUG 2012More turn to freelancing and self-employmentA new independent report showing that the number of freelancers in the UK has grown by 12 per cent was endorsed by official Government figures that…BUSINESS
1 AUG 2012Freelancer workforce is still positive despite depressed economyFreelancers remain upbeat about the benefits flexible working brings with over half saying it improves their life/work balance and three quarters are…BUSINESS
31 JUL 2012Small firms face crime riskAlmost a quarter of small businesses have been the victim of business-crime in the past two years, according to new research.BUSINESS
30 JUL 2012Limited companies are 'specific challenge' for agency rulesThe impact of the agency workers rules will be assessed over the coming months in time for its one year anniversary next October.BUSINESS
26 JUL 2012BBC row overlooks role of most freelancersThe row over high profile freelancers and the BBC has continued to rumble on with allegations that the corporation has 'forced' employees into…BUSINESS
25 JUL 2012Call for councils to use smaller businessesLocal councils spend £88 billion per year on procurement, yet with many not knowing where or what size of business they are trading with, local…BUSINESS
24 JUL 2012Government warned to find right tax targetA respected professional tax body has warned the Government to make sure its new anti-avoidance tax rules are targeted correctly.BUSINESS
24 JUL 2012HMRC's targeted tax campaigns lead to jailA Surrey plumber has been jailed for 12 months for tax evasion after HM Revenue and Customs targeted specific trade and geographical groups.BUSINESS
23 JUL 2012Lifting the lid on tax avoidance schemesHM Revenue and Customs is planning a new set of measures to improve the information available to it about tax avoidance schemes and the risks of…BUSINESS
20 JUN 2012The story of the early days of the PCG and IR35A new book, 'The Freedom to Freelance' tells the story of the fight against IR35, the creation of the first online trade association and the…IR35
14 JUN 2012Clampdown on artificial and abusive tax schemesThe Government has moved a step closer to introducing a 'General Anti-Abuse Rule' (GAAR) to tackle artificial and abusive tax avoidance schemes.BUSINESS
13 JUN 2012Cameras roll on freelancingThe freelance way of working will be put in the spotlight later this month as the film cameras roll in a new project to capture varying aspects of…BUSINESS
12 JUN 2012Demand for contractors continues to fallAgencies report that billings for contractors and temp workers decreased for the sixth month running, and at the fastest pace since July 2009.BUSINESS
11 JUN 2012IT consultant jailed for five years for tax fraudAn IT consultant who failed to declare almost £2 million of income received from an IT consultancy business, was jailed for five years for tax fraud.BUSINESS
7 JUN 2012If it moves, tax it - HMRC's advice on Olympic torchIt was US President Ronald Reagan who coined the famous 'If it moves, tax it...' quote, but perhaps he didn't, unlike HM Revenue and Customs, have…BUSINESS
22 MAY 2012HMRC's targeted tax campaign leads to convictionHM Revenue and Customs' targeted campaign against plumbers has led to another conviction and suspended prison sentence for a tax dodger.BUSINESS
18 MAY 2012No need to answer 'that' P35 service company questionA one-barrister campaign for clarity from HM Revenue and Customs about 'that' service company question on the P35 has resulted in success - you don't…IR35
15 MAY 2012War of words as PCG attacks IR35 expertA public war of words has broken out between two of the key members of the IR35 Forum about the IR35 business tests, their possible value and who…IR35
11 MAY 2012Value of IR35 tests 'extremely limited'There have been fewer people closer to the process of the development of the IR35 tests than IR35/employment status expert Kate Cottrell of Bauer and…IR35
11 MAY 2012Business tests can provide route out of IR35 enquiriesWhen HM Revenue and Customs published their IR35 risk tests earlier this week, they were widely condemned, including by those representative groups…IR35
10 MAY 2012Analysis of new IR35 guidanceAfter a year of meetings with industry and representative bodies, a series of leaks and threats from members of the IR35 Forum to disassociate…IR35
9 MAY 2012IR35 Forum members slam new IR35 testsThe long-awaited IR35 guidance has been published by HM Revenue and Customs - and the immediate reaction from the main members of the advisory…IR35
9 MAY 2012Agencies report fall in contractor billingsAgencies' billings for temporary/contract placements have continued to fall this month, although the modest growth of permanent placements has been…BUSINESS
8 MAY 2012Small firms losing battle for public sector workSmall businesses are still struggling to win public sector contracts despite the Government's efforts to make it easier for them.BUSINESS
4 MAY 2012More public servants use limited company 'loophole'More than 2,000 public sector workers could be avoiding tax and national insurance by operating through their own limited companies according to…BUSINESS
30 APR 2012Freelancers advised not to jump the gun on IR35 testsFreelancers have been advised to wait for the official IR35 tests and guidance from HM Revenue and Customs rather than speculate about leaks…IR35
27 APR 2012So who or what is morally repugnant aggressive tax avoidance?A few years ago, I wrote an article about how Labour, or possibly the Treasury and the Inland Revenue had subtly switched the definition of 'tax…VIEWPOINT
27 APR 2012Small firms face problems with Real Time Tax infoA tax group is concerned that small businesses may have difficulty meeting their obligations under HM Revenue and Customs's new initiative on Real…BUSINESS
25 APR 2012Wales on the up, but N. Ireland poor for contractorsNorthern Ireland is financially the worst place in the UK for umbrella contractors and freelancers to apply their skills according to a recent report…BUSINESS
23 APR 2012IT consultant guilty of tax evasionAn IT consultant has been found guilty of tax evasion after failing to declare almost £2 million of income.BUSINESS
20 APR 2012Small company owners delay retirement plansMore than a third of SME owners aged over 65 still do not know when they will retire and half report that they have changed their retirement and…BUSINESS
13 APR 2012Permanent staff rise, contracts fallPermanent staffing is on the rise, as contract or temporary placement is falling, possibly suggesting an impact of the Agency Workers Regulations…BUSINESS
12 APR 2012Chancellor tells HMRC to raise extra £17bnImproving tax collection and delivering cost reductions are the priority actions the Chancellor has given to HM Revenue and Customs for the next few…BUSINESS
11 APR 2012Demand for contract workers remains strongA snapshot of the impact of the agency workers regulations shows that there is still significant bureaucracy and cost for agencies, but the demand…BUSINESS
10 APR 2012HMRC shuts down IT system at year-endThe taxman has been criticised for bad planning and lack of foresight after HM Revenue and Customs shut down its entire IT system for nearly a week.BUSINESS
4 APR 2012IR35 Forum 'locked in disagreement'Freelancer trade group, the PCG, has revealed how it believes the risk assessment tests proposed by the IR35 Forum are 'insufficient' and that they…IR35
3 APR 2012HMRC campaign leads to prison sentenceOne of the HM Revenue and Customs targeted tax evasion campaigns has resulted in a 12 month prison term for a West Midlands plumber who failed to pay…BUSINESS
29 MAR 2012Criticism for removing paper VAT returnsA tax campaign group has criticised HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for making it compulsory to file VAT returns online without retaining the option of…BUSINESS
28 MAR 2012IR35 Forum: Risk checker available in AprilHM Revenue and Customs will publish a 'risk checker' for IR35 on its website next month as part of the process of helping contractors assess their…IR35
27 MAR 2012First rise in IT businesses for two yearsThe number of IT consultancy businesses in the UK rebounded by nearly two per cent last year, the first such increase after two years of sharp…BUSINESS
22 MAR 2012Budget (4): Reactions - 'sticking plasters' and 'deep concerns'As the dust began to settle and clear from this year's Budget, industry groups and trade associations are starting to piece together thoughts on…POLITICS
21 MAR 2012Budget (3): IR35 consultation on deducting tax/NIC at sourceThe Government has signalled its intention to have tax and NICs deducted at source if someone is 'integral to the running of the organisation'.POLITICS
21 MAR 2012Budget (2): Summary of measures in Budget speechThe Chancellor, George Osborne, aimed to maintain the Government's strategy to reduce the deficit, introduce tax reforms, and provide support for…POLITICS
21 MAR 2012Budget (1): Cash-based accounting and NIC/PAYE integrationChancellor George Osborne promised a Budget to reward work, back business and be on the side of aspiration in his opening remarks as he addressed the…POLITICS
21 MAR 2012Budget: UKTECH coverage of freelancer issuesAt 12:30pm today (Wednesday, March 21) the Chancellor will present his Budget for 2012, setting out the Government's plans for the economy and public…POLITICS
20 MAR 2012Ex-mayor defends his small businessFormer London mayor, Ken Livingstone has defended the use of a limited company to manage his earnings and blamed criticism of it on a 'smear…BUSINESS
20 MAR 2012HMRC 'tweets' to counter tax cheatsHM Revenue and Customs is turning to social media in its latest targeted tax campaign against online marketplace traders.BUSINESS
19 MAR 2012Budget: Make tax simple and proportionateWith just days before the Chancellor opens his Budget Red Box, one small business group is calling for a major tax rethink to make the tax system…POLITICS
19 MAR 2012Agents discuss how to grow IT recruitersThe recruitment sector will meet this week to focus on whether and how IT recruiters should look to grow their businesses in 2012.BUSINESS
16 MAR 2012HMRC turns its tax spotlight on online tradersHM Revenue and Customs has started its latest targeted tax clampdown campaign against online marketplace traders.BUSINESS
15 MAR 2012Budget: Don't knee-jerk against the Lester caseWith apologies for mixing my cliches and metaphors, is the Budget going to produce a knee-jerk reaction and use a sledge-hammer to crack a public…POLITICS
9 MAR 2012Budget: Expected increase in HMRC activityUKTECH continues its round up of Budget hopes, fears and predictions from trade bodies and commercial groups with the views of Martin Hesketh…POLITICS
6 MAR 2012Adverts to counter 'demonisation' of freelancersFreelancer trade group, the PCG, is launching a national media advertising campaign to call on the Government to stop, what it describes as 'any…IR35
2 MAR 2012IR35 risk to take big picture into accountThe Government's thinking on IR35 is to look at the whole picture rather than isolated contracts when assessing IR35 risk.IR35
22 FEB 2012Chancellor looks to close one-man-band 'loophole'Chancellor George Osborne is looking at 'closing a loophole that allows senior public officials to avoid thousands of pounds in tax by being paid…PRESS
21 FEB 2012Contractor groups distance freelancers from public sector rowContractor groups lined up to try to distance the freelancing sector from the recent claims that some senior Government workers are being paid…IR35
20 FEB 2012So where's IR35 with public servants' limited companies?There is an argument to be had that the chief executive of the Student Loans Company has done more to muddy the name of contractors operating through…IR35
6 FEB 2012Civil servants' own companies impact on freelancersThe row about a senior Civil Servant being paid through his own company continues to roll on, as representatives from the freelancing sector let…BUSINESS
3 FEB 2012Review into Civil Servants' service companiesA Treasury Minister found himself trying to explain and control the growing scandal around tax avoidance by senior Civil Servants.BUSINESS
31 JAN 2012'One-man empires' are the future drivers of businessMajor innovations that are already shaping business globally over the next decade are being driven by innovative small and medium sized businesses…BUSINESS
26 JAN 2012Victory for HMRC over Reed in travel claim caseThe tax tribunal has found in favour of HM Revenue and Customs in a £158 million 'travel allowances' case involving Reed Employment and relating to…BUSINESS
24 JAN 2012FCSA: Opportunities for freelancers in 2012As tough times set in for 2012, the flexible workforce has the opportunity to grow and become more important, according to the representative group…BUSINESS
23 JAN 2012Government initiative to find the 'Business in You'The Prime Minister has launched the latest well-trailed initiative aimed at helping people to start and grow their own businesses.BUSINESS
18 JAN 2012Call to Ofcom to veto postal increasesMassive increases to the price of posting mail in the UK will harm small business and hasten the demise of the Royal Mail, according to a small…BUSINESS
18 JAN 2012Register now to send your tax return on timeA quick reminder to register for online filing of Self Assessment forms by the end of the week if you have not already done so.BUSINESS
16 JAN 2012Is the agency way, the only way? (Part 2)Regular contributor to UKTECH, Philip Ross recently questioned whether there was an alternative business model and approach for freelancers other…BUSINESS
13 JAN 2012Don't be caught out by 'phishing'HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning taxpayers not to fall victim to 'phishing' emails sent out by fraudsters in the run-up to the…BUSINESS
12 JAN 2012Small firms 'harassed and mistreated' by HMRCA small business group has complained to Treasury Ministers about 'harassment and mistreatment' of small firms by HM Revenue and Customs, while large…BUSINESS
11 JAN 2012HMRC trials new dispute resolution facilityHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is extending a trial scheme which provides small and medium businesses with an alternative way of resolving tax…BUSINESS

2011

6 DEC 2011Is the agency way, the only way?The vast majority of UKTECH readers will have had experience of - and views about - the role of agencies in finding contracts.BUSINESS
25 NOV 2011IR35 Forum: A shift from contract-by-contractHM Revenue and Customs has indicated that it is shifting its thinking to assess the risk of being caught by IR35 to the overall nature of the…IR35
24 NOV 2011Recruitment agencies face shake-upThe Government is planning a shake-up of agencies in the recruitment sector as part of a package of changes announced by Business Secretary Vince…BUSINESS
23 NOV 2011National Freelancers' DayA series of events around the country marked National Freelancers' Day 2011 today, (November 23).BUSINESS
22 NOV 2011PM backs freelancing as sector grows by 12 per centThe Prime Minister has applauded the growth in the freelance community as new research reveals a 12 per cent increase in the number of people opting…BUSINESS
21 NOV 2011MSC enforcement brings in £6 millionCompliance activity by HM Revenue and Customs relating to the enforcement of the Managed Service Company Legislation has now raised close to £6…BUSINESS
18 NOV 201110,000 new volunteers 'Get Mentoring'Business Minister Mark Prisk has announced new investment to recruit and train an additional 10,000 volunteers to become business mentors.BUSINESS
17 NOV 2011Final doctor's orders from HMRCSeveral thousand doctors and dentists will soon be receiving letters from HM Revenue and Customs giving them a last chance to come clean about their…BUSINESS
16 NOV 2011Full merger of income tax and NI heads for long grassThe Government has admitted it can see the potential benefits of closer integration of income tax and National Insurance - but any change could be a…BUSINESS
16 NOV 2011Easier road to protect copyrightA new small claims service will be introduced at the Patents County Court (PCC) to help small and medium sized businesses protect their copyright…BUSINESS
9 NOV 2011The one man/woman Christmas partyAs the festive season approaches thoughts might turn to the traditional office Christmas party - but what if you are a one-man band?BUSINESS
9 NOV 2011Nervous employers look to contractorsClients' use of temporary or contract workers has increased in October, despite concerns about the impact of the Agency Workers Rights regulations.BUSINESS
3 NOV 2011Contractor market expandsAs the contractor market continues to expand, a firm of specialist accountants has developed a 'How to become a contractor' roadmap.BUSINESS
2 NOV 2011Agents call for streamlining Conduct RegsAgency representative body has responded to the Government's challenge to identify needless Red Tape by calling for a radical streamlining of the…AGENCIES
28 OCT 2011IR35's investigations and yield in first decadeThe full picture of IR35's investigations and resultant tax yield is available for the first time after HM Revenue and Customs released figures…IR35
20 OCT 2011Debt transfer risk on agency workers' rightsEnd users and recruiters who influence agency workers to operate via personal service companies to attempt to avoid the Agency Workers Regulations…BUSINESS
20 OCT 2011Warning of incorrect HMRC annual return finesSmall firms have been warned to be wary of a slew of inaccurate fines being issued in the last month by HM Revenue and Customs for late submissions…BUSINESS
19 OCT 2011Small firms turn to IT freelancersSmall businesses are increasingly looking to IT consultants to meet their demands.BUSINESS
18 OCT 2011Small business confidence collapsesSmall business confidence collapsed by nearly 10 points from a cautiously optimistic +0.3 to a highly pessimistic -9.3 in the third quarter according…BUSINESS
17 OCT 2011Politicians sample life in a small firmThe state of the economy has been the main topic of discussion between small business owners and politicians taking part in a 'work experience'…BUSINESS
14 OCT 2011Report finds flaws in security clearance processA report has highlighted a serious market failure around the process of recruiting workers for security cleared Government roles.BUSINESS
13 OCT 2011UKTECH readers asked for information on IR35UKTECH readers can input their views on IR35 directly to the next meeting of the IR35 Forum.IR35
12 OCT 2011Tutors and teachers face tough tax examsTeachers, coaches and private tutors are the next group of individuals to have the tax spotlight turned on them.BUSINESS
10 OCT 2011IR35 Forum: HMRC needs more information (edited)HM Revenue and Customs told the members of the IR35 Forum that it was not receiving enough information about areas where it needed to improve its…IR35
7 OCT 2011Growth slows in contract marketRates of expansion of both contract and permanent appointments moderated in September.BUSINESS
6 OCT 2011Government proposes to ease reporting burdenMore than 100,000 UK small businesses could save in excess of £600 million in accountancy and administration costs every year according to proposals…BUSINESS
30 SEP 2011Expats entrepreneurs 'ne regrettent rien'Seven in 10 expat entrepreneurs believe they have achieved more by starting up a business abroad, according to recent research.BUSINESS
23 SEP 2011Big drop in IR35 status enquiriesHM Revenue and Customs has revealed a substantial drop in IR35 enquiries in the past five years.IR35
22 SEP 2011Revenue commits to tackling rule breakersHM Revenue and Customs reaffirmed its commitment to recoup tax from the 'rule breakers' as it released its latest set of tax gap figures.BUSINESS
21 SEP 2011Revenue warns not to get caught out 'phishing'HM Revenue and Customs has issued another warning about fraudulent 'phishing' emails after reports indicate a rise of 300 per cent over the past year.BUSINESS
20 SEP 2011No watering down of Agency Workers RegulationsThe Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) will be implemented as they currently stand on October 1 2011, and will not be watered down at the last minute…BUSINESS
19 SEP 2011Revenue reminder on new tax return penaltiesHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reminded individuals and businesses about new Self Assessment penalties for late returns and late payments, which…BUSINESS
16 SEP 2011Impact of new agency rights rulesUp to half a million temporary employment contracts could be threatened by the new agency worker rules (AWR) which come into force in two weeks'…BUSINESS
15 SEP 2011America looks to UK for IT talentUS firms are increasingly looking to the UK to meet their growing needs for IT consultants in the digital sector.BUSINESS
14 SEP 2011Tax review recommends radical reformIn the deepest and most far reaching analysis of the UK tax system in more than 30 years, the Mirrlees Review puts the case for radical tax reform.BUSINESS
9 SEP 2011Challenge to claims of skills shortage in engineeringFewer than half of graduates who leave university with a degree in engineering are working within the field six months later, despite claims of a…BUSINESS
6 SEP 2011Prime Minister looks to dilute EU agency lawsThe Prime Minister could move to dilute the provisions of the Agency Workers Directive, according to a report in a national newspaper.PRESS
1 SEP 2011Small firms turn to consultants for complianceSmall firms pay almost £6 billion a year to outside consultants in exchange for support on complying with regulations - more than a third of their…BUSINESS
24 AUG 2011HMRC puts 'Spotlight' on contractor schemeHM Revenue and Customs has turned its tax avoidance 'Spotlight' on a new scheme being advertised to contractors and those using recruitment agencies.BUSINESS
3 AUG 2011IR35 Forum: Education and complianceCompliance and education were the two key themes when representatives of the freelancer sector and HMRC sat round the table for the second meeting of…IR35
26 JUL 2011HMRC glitch with paper statementsHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has apologised to half a million tax payers who are likely to have their self assessment statements delayed.BUSINESS
21 JUL 2011AWR: Which way will the umbrella industry go?With just a couple of months before the agency workers rights legislation comes into effect giving agency workers similar rights to employees…BUSINESS
20 JUL 2011Win for freelancer after eight year IR35 investigationA freelancer has won his IR35 case against HM Revenue and Customs, but not until after eight years of 'considerable financial and emotional strain'.IR35
19 JUL 2011Targeted VAT cuts needed to restore growthA small business group has called for targeted and time specific VAT cuts in place to restore growth in key sectors.BUSINESS
12 JUL 2011Government begins income tax/NICs reformThe Government has begun its consideration of integrating income tax and National Insurance by calling for evidence.BUSINESS
6 JUL 2011Crackdown on VAT cheats beginsAs part of its latest crackdown campaign, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will be sending letters to businesses informing them how to register for VAT…BUSINESS
29 JUN 2011Small firms urged to 'name and shame'A small business group is calling on all smaller suppliers to anonymously 'name and shame' late paying companies.BUSINESS
23 JUN 2011Contractor rates improve with ageThe average hourly rate for umbrella contractors has fallen in the last 12 months from £34.41 to £33.12; however contractors over 35 are typically…BUSINESS
3 JUN 2011IR35 Forum offers 'some' transparencyMembers of HM Revenue and Customs, IR35 specialists and small business representatives sat round the table for the first meeting of the IR35 Forum…IR35
23 MAY 2011HMRC's next campaign is VAT clampdownHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is cracking down on VAT rule breakers with a new campaign focusing on individuals and businesses who are trading above…BUSINESS
12 APR 2011PCG: No call for immediate repeal of IR35Freelancer trade body, the PCG, did not call for the immediate repeal of IR35 in its submission to the Office of Tax Simplification's (OTS) recent…IR35
8 APR 2011IR35: Defeat from the jaws of victory?As the dust settles on the recent Budget, questions are being asked as to why the abolition of IR35 never happened.IR35
17 MAR 2011Entrepreneurs' relief: call for root and branch reviewThe current rules on entrepreneurs' relief were written hastily and as a result there are a number of traps for the unwary, which could mean that…BUSINESS
9 FEB 2011The future looks bright for UK contractorsContractors and freelancers are being recognised for the value they bring to companies, according to new research.BUSINESS
17 JAN 2011Keep proper records to avoid HMRC fineA small business group is warning small firms to keep proper financial records or face fines in excess of £3,000.BUSINESS
12 JAN 2011Record rise in limited companies start-upsA firm of specialist contractor accountants has seen an unprecedented 70 per cent rise in the number of contractors coming into the market and going…BUSINESS

2010

24 DEC 2010Christmas message to readers, December 2010Editor Susie Hughes wishes readers and contributors a happy 2011 and thanks them for their involvement during the past 12 months.BULLETIN
15 DEC 2010Experiences of the Australian version of IR35As the UK's Office of Tax Simplification continues its review of IR35 and considers what changes will be made in the future, Australia has had some…IR35
26 NOV 2010Disappointment at Lord Young's departureThree quarters of small business owners believe Lord Young shouldn't have resigned as David Cameron's advisor on enterprise, according to recent…BUSINESS
8 NOV 2010Intra-company transfers could bypass migrant capPossible plans to allow multi-national companies to bypass immigration laws would be hugely unfair on smaller firms, according to a small business…BUSINESS
5 NOV 2010OTS: Freelancers represented on IR35 committeeThe composition of the new Small Business Review Committee has several names which will be familiar to the freelancer world.BUSINESS
4 NOV 2010Will contractors be forced to build a NEST egg?Pensions minister Steve Webb confirmed last week that every company, regardless of size, would have to sign up to NEST.BUSINESS
3 NOV 2010OTS's review will focus on more than IR35While the review of IR35 has perhaps dominated the discussion of the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) review on small business taxation, it is not…BUSINESS
2 NOV 2010Lord Young appointed Enterprise AdviserLord Young has been appointed as Adviser to the Prime Minister on Enterprise, in what was described as 'a new role that will ensure the economic…POLITICS
1 NOV 2010New package of measures to help small firmsSmall Business Minister Mark Prisk has hosted a Summit for Small Business and set out a cross Government package of measures to help the five million…BUSINESS
29 OCT 2010Vagueness of IR35 must be banished, says IoDThe Institute of Directors has said that it is good news that the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) is starting to look at IR35 and that the rule…IR35
28 OCT 2010Contribute to survey for small business reviewThe Office of Tax Simplification has asked Professional Passport for copies of the results from all its surveys and polls to provide hard evidence…BUSINESS
27 OCT 2010Call to name and shame dodgy travel schemesAgency body, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), has called for the Government to introduce a 'name and shame' scheme for poorly run…BUSINESS
26 OCT 2010No change to agency rights is 'grave disappointment'Government claims that it cannot change the terms of the Agency Workers Regulations is a grave disappointment to employers who rely on agency staff…BUSINESS
25 OCT 2010Small Business Forum holds first meetingBusiness Secretary Vince Cable and Small Business Minister Mark Prisk have recently met with business representatives and banks in the inaugural…BUSINESS
25 OCT 2010New contractor companies on the upContractor accountants, SJD Accountancy has announced a record breaking increase in the number of new contractors and limited company formations…BUSINESS
22 OCT 2010PAYE proposals risk temp workers paying too much taxProposals that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) should calculate tax and pay workers directly instead of employers could make temporary workers even…BUSINESS
21 OCT 2010Spending cuts could bring opportunities for freelancersThe wide-spread public sector cuts announced by the Chancellor in the Comprehensive Spending Review could have a silver lining for contractors as…POLITICS
20 OCT 2010Government fails to broker new deal on AWRThe Government will no longer seek to amend the Agency Workers Regulations and will press ahead with producing guidance for employers after failing…BUSINESS
6 OCT 2010PAYE reforms 'merit further exploration'Government proposals for improving the PAYE system could provide benefits for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), employers and employees alike, but…BUSINESS
1 OCT 2010Self employed and small firms under HMRC spotlightAn accountancy group has warned the self employed and recently formed businesses to take extra care with record keeping for their VAT and general tax…BUSINESS
13 SEP 2010Contractors could be hard hit by tax arrearsContractors could be among the hardest hit by the recent spate of errors in tax payments, according to a firm of specialist accountants.BUSINESS
6 SEP 2010Small firms turn to social mediaOver a third of SMEs use social media on a daily basis to promote their businesses, according to new research.BUSINESS
10 AUG 2010Qdos: What will IR35's successor look like?One of the immediate tasks of the newly formed Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) will be to carry out a review of the IR35 legislation with the…IR35
21 JUL 2010Review on IR35 beginsThe first task of the new Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) is to conduct the review into small business tax, specifically including alternative…IR35
12 JUL 2010SMEs could do more to tackle late paymentsSmall and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK are overlooking ways to protect against potentially crippling cash-flow problems, warns the Law…BUSINESS
8 JUL 2010Accounting technology for flexible workersA couple of weeks ago I was invited to take part in a round table discussion about the effect of accounting technology on the flexible workforce.BUSINESS
21 MAY 2010Coalition will 'seek to replace' IR35IR35 took a step closer to the history books as the new Coalition Government said that it would seek to replace it.IR35
10 MAY 2010Borderline IR35 win for IT contractorAn IT analyst has won his IR35 case against HM Revenue and Customs, who began an investigation after the contractor asked them for advice as to…IR35
23 APR 2010HMRC uses its two High Court winsHM Revenue and Customs has updated its Employment Status Manual to include case law from its two most recent victories in the High Court IR35 cases…IR35
14 APR 2010Late payments still a major concern for SMEsBritish SMEs are having to wait an average of 41 days longer than their original agreed payment terms, before invoices are paid according to recent…BUSINESS
8 FEB 2010Tories rethink small business taxThe Conservatives see reforming the tax system for the self-employed as a vote winner and are planning to reform the tax system so that it no longer…PRESS
2 FEB 2010Increase in tax rebate phishing emailsTaxpayers should not respond to any email promising a tax repayment, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has warned.BUSINESS
1 FEB 2010Appeal changes employment rights decisionAn Employment Appeal Tribunal has overturned an earlier decision which gave an independent contractor the option to claim employment rights.BUSINESS
29 JAN 2010Court supports HMRC's retrospective tax moveThe High Court has given the green light for taxes to be applied retrospectively in what is seen as a controversial, landmark decision.BUSINESS
22 JAN 2010Make note of new HMRC bank accountsDuring 2009 HM Revenue and Customs moved its banking services from the Bank of England to Citi and Royal Bank of Scotland Group.BUSINESS
21 JAN 2010Tougher tactics lead to more tribunal casesLatest data shows that tougher tax collecting tactics and penalties imposed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have contributed to a 14 per cent…BUSINESS
20 JAN 2010Government keeps small firms waitingSmall firms are still being kept waiting for payments from Government departments, despite a pledge a year ago by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson…BUSINESS
15 JAN 2010Tax disclosure deals for all, suggests the CIOTA professional tax body has suggested the recent scheme by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to offer a 'disclosure opportunity' for medical…BUSINESS
12 JAN 2010HMRC starts campaign to target professionsHM Revenue and Customs has unveiled its new approach to combating underpayment of tax by targeting specific professions - and starting with the…BUSINESS
8 JAN 2010HMRC puts spotlight on tax avoidanceHM Revenue and Customs has put the 'spotlight' on what it is likely to see as tax avoidance by identifying the types of arrangements or schemes which…BUSINESS

2009

13 NOV 2009The case of celebrity IR35A recent article in the Sunday Times reported that many of the BBC's highest paid presenters have set up service companies apparently on the advice…IR35
19 OCT 2009Ltd company contractors excluded from employment rightsLimited company contractors will be excluded from the Agency Workers Directive under the latest proposals from the Government.BUSINESS
24 SEP 2009Tax avoidance – no more than cheatingOver the past decade the distinction between 'tax avoidance' (a legitimate way to minimise one's tax liability) and 'tax evasion' (a criminal…BUSINESS
28 AUG 2009Check up on councils' payment termsA small business support and lobby group is submitting Freedom of Information Act requests to every council and health trust in Britain asking how…BUSINESS
27 AUG 2009Launch of UK's largest small firms surveyThe UK's largest survey of small and medium businesses kicks off today with the launch of the 2009 Business Pulse.BUSINESS
25 AUG 2009Tory call for more public contracts for small firmsConservative leader, David Cameron, has called for a 'cultural change' in the relationship between government and small firms in order to prise the…BUSINESS
24 AUG 2009New proposals open floodgates for foreign graduatesNew proposals from the Home Office's Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to reform the new points based immigration system could lead to a glut of…BUSINESS
19 AUG 2009IR35 victory takes five yearsA freelancer has finally won his IR35 battle against HM Revenue and Customs - after five years.IR35
17 AUG 2009Tax timebomb threatens small firmsA law firm is urging recession stricken small firms not to 'bury their head in the sand' as a second wave of business collapses looms in the autumn…BUSINESS
13 AUG 2009HMRC clamps down on bogus expense claimsHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) looks set to continue its clampdown on non compliant expense claims.BUSINESS
10 AUG 2009HMRC looks at umbrellasHMRC has announced a number of issues affecting umbrella companies which will be the subject of detailed, ongoing investigation.BUSINESS
3 AUG 2009TUC calls for employment rights for all agency workersTrade union body, the TUC has called on the Government to ensure that all agency workers receive the same rights on pay, holiday and working time as…BUSINESS
28 JUL 2009Small firms prepare for VAT headacheSmall businesses face paying the wrong amount of tax and being fined heavily as they lack the preparation to readjust to the end of the temporary cut…BUSINESS
22 JUL 2009IR35 information could lead to non-complianceA Government Minister has refused to reveal the extent of HMRC's IR35 investigations on the basis that it might lead to 'non-compliance with the…IR35
21 JUL 2009HMRC 'softens' wording on Tax CharterAn unprecedented number of responses to HMRC's consultation on the new Taxpayers' Charter has led to some revisions to the original proposals.BUSINESS
15 JUL 2009General election threat from UK's freelancersFreelancers are delivering an ultimatum to politicians to change IR35 or they will change their vote, according to a survey from freelancer…BUSINESS
13 JUL 2009SMEs dependent on single customerMore than 350,000 small and medium sized businesses rely on a single customer for over 75 per cent of their turnover, highlighting their…BUSINESS
1 JUL 2009Work-arounds to new tax relief capAs the Treasury reveals that it has no plans to change the proposed tax relief restrictions on pension contributions for higher earning contractors…BUSINESS
11 JUN 2009Don't delay claiming a tax refundIf you are due for an income tax refund of Pay As You Earn (PAYE), claim now says a leading accountancy body.BUSINESS
10 JUN 2009IT contractors lose out to cheaper overseas workersBritish IT contractors have lost their jobs to non-EU workers because they were cheaper, according to an investigation on Radio Four's File on 4.BUSINESS
26 MAY 2009IR35 brings Government just £1.5m a yearThe Government has received just £1.5 million a year from IR35, according to figures received under the Freedom of Information Act.IR35
12 MAY 2009Channel 4 request to talk to contractorsChannel 4 News is looking to do a story for tomorrow's news about people who have had to take a pay cut as a result of the recession.BULLETIN
12 MAY 2009Radio 4 request to talk to contractorsRadio 4 programme File on 4 is asking to talk to contractors who have had experience of intra-company transfers.BULLETIN
11 MAY 2009HMRC to pursue those who 'bend the rules'HM Revenue and Customs has been tackling tax 'avoidance' and pursuing those who not only break the rules, but those who 'bend' them as part of its…BUSINESS
6 MAY 2009Caution urged over naming and shamingA professional tax body has warned that the Government's proposed 'naming and shaming' of tax defaulters should only be used in appropriate…POLITICS
22 APR 2009Budget (4): Income shifting kept 'under review'The Government intends to keep income shifting 'under review' although no immediate action is planned.POLITICS
18 APR 2009Catch22 on security clearance for freelancersSecurity clearance as a prerequisite is proving a discriminatory obstacle for freelancers seeking work in the public sector, according to an article…PRESS
14 APR 2009Call to close intra-company transfer 'loophole'A 'loophole' which allows companies to bring non-EU workers into the UK to work without having to advertise jobs in the UK first should be closed as…BUSINESS
1 APR 2009Budget must solve banking and unemployment crisesForcing banks to behave and solving the problem of rising unemployment should be at the top of the Government's to-do list in the most crucial budget…POLITICS
19 MAR 2009Crackdown on 'model' agenciesThe Government has started a crackdown on rogue agencies by putting modelling and entertainment agencies in London under the spotlight.AGENCIES
9 MAR 2009IR35 marks its tenth anniversaryTen years ago today, the Budget of then Chancellor Gordon Brown, gave birth to IR35.IR35
5 MAR 2009Interest rates cut to a new lowThe Bank of England has cut interest rates to 0.5 per cent - another all-time low.BUSINESS
3 MAR 2009Accountants warn of risk of non complianceA specialist accountancy firm is urging contractors to wise up to the dangers of using non-compliant umbrella companies.BUSINESS
23 FEB 2009Panorama: the plight of small businessesBusiness Secretary Lord Mandelson says that British banks have left businesses 'high and dry' as they cut back on lending.BUSINESS
19 FEB 200960,000 firms receive 'time to pay'Over 60,000 businesses have agreed 'time to pay tax' arrangements with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) totalling more than one billion pounds.BUSINESS
16 FEB 2009Concern over new powers in Taxpayer's CharterA pledge in the new Taxpayer's Charter in which HM Revenue and Customs vows to 'relentlessly pursue' those who 'bend' the rules is far too strongly…BUSINESS
13 FEB 2009Workers in business 'albeit in a modest way'A recent Special Commissioners case has decided that workers of a window installation firm were in business on their own account, 'albeit in a modest…IR35
5 FEB 2009IR35 case ping-pongs back to the CommissionersA controversial IR35 case has been ordered back to the General Commissioners by the High Court.IR35
28 JAN 2009Small firms have little confidence in Government adviceSmall businesses choose not to use guidance from Government or have so little confidence in it that they prefer to pay for advice, according to a…BUSINESS
23 JAN 2009HMRC cuts interest on overpayments to zeroHM Revenue and Customs is cutting the interest it pays on money it owes to taxpayers to zero per cent.BUSINESS
16 JAN 2009Contractor rate plunge bottoms outA contractor service provider has said that contractor rates plunged throughout 2008, but levelled out towards the year end.BUSINESS

2008

24 DEC 2008Christmas message to readers, December 2008Editor Susie Hughes wishes UKTECH readers and contributors a merry Christmas, thanking them for their involvement over the past 12 months.BULLETIN
23 DEC 2008Tax problems ahead for self employedThe self-employed face a New Year tax crunch that could cost them dear, according to a report in the Daily Mail.PRESS
19 DEC 2008Lengthy Christmas break for small firmsMore small firms are planning to take an extended Christmas break than at any time in 16 years, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).BUSINESS
18 DEC 2008Government's scheme for prompt payment 'unlikely to succeed'The Government's voluntary code on payment terms to encourage the prompt payment of bills between businesses is unlikely to spark a genuine move away…BUSINESS
17 DEC 2008Umbrella company expenses – Are you really compliant?With HMRC's spotlight still fixed on umbrella companies and particularly their compliancy with current rules, UKTECH has recently carried several…BUSINESS
12 DEC 2008HMRC to target umbrellas? ..and agencies?UKTECH's resident expert on travel expenses, former HMRC inspector, Bob Jones, looks at what could be round the corner for umbrella companies and…BUSINESS
11 DEC 2008Troubled times ahead for small firmsAround a third of small businesses are still struggling to get affordable credit from the banks despite commitments to lend fairly, according to new…BUSINESS
3 DEC 2008Contractors warned over offshore solutionsNew legislation has highlighted the potential risks, which could include massive back tax bills, for contractors using offshore umbrella companies…BUSINESS
25 NOV 2008PBR: Index of issues 2008 (updated 22:21, 24/11/08)Much of the detail of the Pre Budget Report appears in the documentation published after the Chancellor has sat down.POLITICS
24 NOV 2008PBR (2): Income shifting deferred...againThe Treasury has confirmed that income shifting has been further postponed - but will be kept under review.POLITICS
24 NOV 2008PBR (1): VAT down, NI upChancellor Alistair Darling began his Pre Budget Report by promising 'protection and support for businesses'.POLITICS
24 NOV 2008Small firms urged to sign up as school governorsThe Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and national charity School Governors' One Stop Shop (SGOSS) are encouraging more small business owners to…BUSINESS
24 NOV 2008Reminder: Pre Budget Report todayThe Chancellor, Alistair Darling, will present the 2008 Pre-Budget Report to the House of Commons today (Monday, November 24) at 3.30pm.POLITICS
13 NOV 2008Mark Prisk in live debate with UKTECH - November 20, 4pmMark Prisk MP, Shadow Minister for Enterprise, Deregulation and Competition, has offered to be the first guest on UKTECH's new 'Question Time'…BULLETIN
14 OCT 2008Support to exclude professionals from workers' rightsThe Labour MP who championed employment rights for temps and agency workers has thrown his weight behind the campaign to exclude professional workers…BUSINESS
9 OCT 2008Survey into working through umbrella companiesThe Treasury is currently considering abolishing the travel allowances or changing the rules for contractors who operate through umbrella companies.BULLETIN
25 SEP 2008Contractors turn their backs on LabourChanges in legislation which govern the way contractors work in the UK could cost Labour hundreds of thousands of votes according to a recent survey.BUSINESS
12 SEP 2008Will freelancers be hit by EU Temp directive?High-end contractors are unlikely to be seriously affected by the proposed EU Temporary Workers Directive, even though they may come within its…BUSINESS
11 SEP 2008Call for Taxpayers' Charter to be in lawThe Treasury is being urged to reconsider its decision not to put the new Taxpayer's Charter in legislation.BUSINESS
10 SEP 2008HMRC's new guidance on 'service companies question'HM Revenue and Customs has apologised for the 'unclear' question about service companies on the self assessment tax return and has issued new…BUSINESS
9 SEP 2008Brookson responds to Dragonfly decisionAs the dust begins to settle on the IR35 defeat in the High Court for IT consultancy, Dragonfly Ltd, the freelancing community is beginning to study…IR35
4 SEP 2008Dragonfly defeat: 'Shock' and 'massive blow'Freelancer trade group, the Professional Contractors Group (PCG) has expressed its shock at the High Court's judgment in the "Dragonfly" IR35 case…IR35
4 SEP 2008IR35 defeat for IT consultancy in the High CourtThe High Court has ruled against IT consultancy, Dragonfly Consultancy Ltd, in its IR35 appeal.IR35
3 SEP 2008Twenty years of legislation for contractors2008 is a significant but largely ignored anniversary for the self-employed.BUSINESS
2 SEP 2008HMRC launches penalties podcastHMRC has launched its latest podcasts for advisors, on the new penalty regime and HMRC's services for accountants and advisors.BUSINESS
2 SEP 2008Self-help for small firms as sales slip again'Increase marketing spend and take a pay cut' is the advice to small firm owners from fellow entrepreneurs as the latest research into the health of…BUSINESS
1 SEP 2008Increase in domain name disputesUK businesses should tighten up on the legal ownership of their website addresses, as one web hosting company reported a 30 per cent rise in the…BUSINESS
29 AUG 2008'Bouncebackability' low amongst UK small businessesFew UK small businesses are ready to bounce back if they have a business disruption, even though it would lose them business.BUSINESS
28 AUG 2008Increase in IT support jobs despite offshoring trendThe number of IT support jobs being created is almost 20 per cent higher than two years ago, despite fears that offshoring would further erode demand…BUSINESS
26 AUG 2008Forum of Private Business urges rates relief claims before September deadlineThe FPB says £200m of rates relief goes unclaimed each year and reminds eligible ratepayers that they must apply annually, with this year's deadline…BUSINESS
26 AUG 2008Visual CVs could risk discriminationThe trend towards sending visual CVs could lead to discrimination issues, a Birmingham lawyer has warned.PRESS
22 AUG 2008Court ruling opens door for VAT refundsBusinesses across Britain are potentially missing out on the chance to claim VAT rebates ranging from tens of thousands to several million pounds…BUSINESS
21 AUG 2008New self assessment deadline is just weeks awayHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a reminder to anyone filing a Self Assessment tax return this year - that the deadline for paper returns is…BUSINESS
20 AUG 2008Most contractors 'go it alone' on IR35 statusTwo out of three (63 per cent) of UK contractors could be at risk of operating in a non-compliant manner and face the prospect of a hefty tax bill…BUSINESS
19 AUG 2008Compliance checks for ATSCo's service provider membersATSCo members who provide accountancy or umbrella company services to the recruitment industry will have to pass new compulsory compliance checks…BUSINESS
5 AUG 2008Company sellers face 'Catch 22' situationA legal loophole used by hundreds of entrepreneurs to avoid paying a higher capital gains tax rate this year is set to be hit by the economic…PRESS
29 JUL 2008HM Treasury consultation on travel expensesAfter dealing with perceived problems relating to limited companies' disguised employment and more recently managed service companies, the…BUSINESS
18 JUL 2008Retrospective tax attack on contractors' offshore trusts schemesLegislation to nullify an off-shore tax planning scheme used by some contractors will be treated as having always had effect, exposing contractors to…BUSINESS
17 JUL 2008The need for a 'pre-nup' for new businessesThe owners and partners in the majority of small and medium-sized businesses in the UK have no legal protection against a partnership bust-up…BUSINESS
15 JUL 2008Sharp fall in optimism among small firmsSmall business owners have seen their business optimism plummet in the past six months, according to a recent survey.BUSINESS
14 JUL 2008Freelancer group call for tax overhaulA report from freelancer group, the Professional Contractors Group (PCG), is calling for an independent review of business tax, followed by a period…BUSINESS
11 JUL 2008Free trial for public sector contractsSmall and medium sized businesses have until the end of this month (July) to register for a three month trial which provides free access to thousands…BUSINESS
7 JUL 2008Will you take part in our freelancer survey?We'd like to ask readers of UKTECH to participate in a survey to gain a better understanding of the contracting market and the impact of Government…BULLETIN
9 JUN 2008High Court appeal on IR35 - Dragonfly v HMRCAn IT contractor, who is facing a tax and NIC bill of £99,000, had his day in the High Court on Friday (June 6) when he appealed the defeat in his…IR35
6 JUN 2008IR35 defeat goes to appeal in High CourtThe High Court will hear an appeal into the IR35 case of Dragonfly Consultancy Ltd.IR35
5 JUN 2008Defeat for IT contractor in IR35 caseAn IT contractor has lost his IR35 case in the Special Commissioners with the result that he now owes HMRC two years tax and NI contributions.IR35
20 MAY 2008New rights for agency workers on the horizonThe Prime Minister has committed to introducing new laws to give agency workers employment rights similar to permanent staff.BUSINESS
12 MAY 2008Government should listen to small firmsFollowing a recent Government announcement that a new 'tax forum' is to be set up to tackle the problems of the UK's tax system, a small business…BUSINESS
25 APR 2008Thousands petition Government over income shiftingThe online petition against the Government's 'family business tax' proposals closes today (24 April) with over 7,500 signatures – putting it in the…IR35
15 APR 2008April brings shower of changes for small firmsWith a raft of new legislation coming into force at the beginning of April, small firms may overlook some of the provisions which apply only to them.BUSINESS
9 APR 2008Housekeeping: Posting commentsI have received a number of complaints recently about some postings on UKTECH.BULLETIN
27 MAR 2008Labour MP starts petition against income shiftingA second Parliamentary petition objecting to the income shifting proposals has been tabled in the House of Commons.IR35
12 MAR 2008Budget (2): Delay to income shifting regulationsAlthough the Chancellor made no reference to the controversial 'income shifting' proposals in his speech, there was a statement in the accompanying…IR35
10 MAR 2008Treasury officials urge rethink on income shiftingSmall businesses have found an unlikely ally in Treasury officials who are 'making last ditch attempts' to convince Ministers to drop the…IR35
10 MAR 2008Contractor accountant wins top awardContractor accountants SJD Accountancy were celebrating their latest success after being announced as the highest ranked accountants in the latest…BUSINESS
6 MAR 2008Professional Passport audits suppliersA new organisation to audit suppliers of services has been encouraged by the way the biggest providers have got behind the new concept.BUSINESS
29 FEB 2008Tax experts add to criticism of income shiftingA leading tax body has added its voice to the mounting criticism over the 'income shifting' proposals by describing them as 'unworkable, impractical…IR35
28 FEB 2008Brown wants to make progress on temp rightsPrime Minister, Gordon Brown, has told trade union leaders that he wants to make progress on rights for agency workers.BUSINESS
26 FEB 2008Income shifting proposals are 'conceptually retarded'Trade group, the Professional Contractors Group (PCG), has condemned the Government's 'income shifting' proposals as 'conceptually retarded' in its…IR35
22 FEB 2008FSB asks Government to lay off small firmsThe Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is urging the Government to lay off small businesses in the 2008 Budget, claiming it has displayed a 'huge…BUSINESS
21 FEB 2008Big business divided on agency rightsWith a Parliamentary private members' bill seeking to give agency workers the same employment rights as permanent employees due for its second…BUSINESS
14 FEB 2008Chancellor urged to listen to family firmsA small business pressure group is calling on the Chancellor to pay as much attention to the critics of his proposed Family Business Tax as he has…IR35
13 FEB 2008IR35 – level pegging in the courtsIn the last two months, there have been four IR35 cases judged by the tax tribunals - two victories for freelancers; two wins for HMRC.IR35
6 FEB 2008TUC promotes agency workers 'myths' and 'facts'The TUC is calling on the Government to support a Private Member's Bill to give agency workers legal equal treatment rights at work, and save…BUSINESS
30 JAN 2008Accountants query legality of CGT changesJust a week after the Chancellor revised his proposed changes on Capital Gains Tax, a leading accountancy body has queried the legality of the…BUSINESS
29 JAN 2008IR35 victory (2): First Word SoftwareUKTECH has been following the four recent IR35 decisions by the Special Commissioners - two in favour of HM Revenue and Customs, two in favour of the…IR35
28 JAN 2008IR35 victory (1): Datagate ServicesTwo recent IR35 defeats for contractors have caused considerable interest.IR35
24 JAN 2008Chancellor plans climbdown on CGTChancellor Alistair Darling is set to announce a significant climbdown over his controversial plans to reform the capital gains tax system.BUSINESS
18 JAN 2008Two IR35 defeats cost contractors £130,000A spate of recent IR35 cases has seen two victories for the Revenue and two for the contractors.IR35
18 JAN 2008MPs start 'income shifting' petitionA LibDem MP has started a Parliamentary petition for MPs, expressing concern at the new 'income shifting' proposals.IR35
10 JAN 2008Guidance on income shifting proposalsA professional tax body has issued guidance on the proposed 'income shifting' legislation, including a brief outline of the proposals as they…IR35
3 JAN 2008PCG starts 'income shifting' petitionTrade association, the Professional Contractors Group (PCG), is urging freelancers to sign a petition against the proposed new tax on 'income…IR35

2007

19 DEC 2007CIOT: Income shifting podcastThe Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) has produced a 20 minute podcast analysing the detail of and problems associated with the new income…IR35
18 DEC 2007Practical examples needed of income shifting difficultiesA respected tax body has warned that the proposed new income shifting rules will lead to greater uncertainty for many owner-managed businesses and…IR35
18 DEC 2007CGT uncertainty continues for small businessesA small business group has added its concerns to the continuing uncertainty over changes to capital gains tax (CGT), after Chancellor Alistair…BUSINESS
11 DEC 2007Qdos: Coo-ee Mr ShifterThe Government recently outlined its plans to crack down on individuals 'shifting' income between themselves to obtain what HMRC sees as an unfair…IR35
10 DEC 2007Victory for freelancers on EU agency rulesFreelancer group, the Professional Contractors Group (PCG), has welcomed the decision by the EU Employment Council meeting to shelve the Green Paper…BUSINESS
7 DEC 2007Concern at practical workings of income shiftingA respected tax body has added its 'grave concerns' about the implications and the practical workings of the draft legislation on income shifting…IR35
6 DEC 2007New income shifting proposals are a 'nightmare'The Government's proposals to combat 'income shifting' between individuals in a company have been described as 'a nightmare for family businesses'.IR35
6 DEC 2007EU fights for rights for temp workersEU proposals to give temporary workers similar rights as employed staff took a step nearer this week as Ministers debate the new legislation.BUSINESS
26 NOV 2007Revenue - "They hate you"Times columnist, Libby Purves, launches an attack on the Revenue's attitude towards and treatment of tax payers, particularly the self employed and…PRESS
21 NOV 2007HMRC under fire over missing dataNews that the details of some 25 million Britons have gone astray in the post due to an error will come as a massive concern to people whose personal…BUSINESS
20 NOV 2007SJD Accountancy wins 'Small firm of the Year'Specialist accountants for contractors and small businesses, SJD Accountancy, has won the Accountancy Age 'Small firm of the year' award for the…BUSINESS
15 NOV 2007UK businesses rush their choice of web addressNearly half of small businesses devote as much time to choosing their web address as they do to picking a coffee maker, according to a recent survey.BUSINESS
6 NOV 2007Freedom of Information Act may cover contractorsThe Government is considering extending the scope of the Freedom of Information Act to cover contractors who provide services to a public authority.BUSINESS
1 NOV 2007Qdos: The after chill of Arctic!The Government is gearing up for another tax hike on freelancers and small businesses in the form of an 'income-shifting tax'.IR35
31 OCT 2007PBR(6): U-turn expected on capital gains taxThe Government is planning a U-turn on proposals for a single 18 per cent rate of capital gains tax, by giving £100,000 in tax relief for small…POLITICS
30 OCT 2007Credit crunch leads to fall in IT contractorsThe proportion of IT contractors working in the financial services industry is at its lowest level for three and a half years following the recent…BUSINESS
29 OCT 2007The Wealth of Nations voted as Best Business BookA book published more than 200 years ago has been voted the best business book of all time, according to the Financial Times.BUSINESS
29 OCT 2007Small business week 2007Today (October 29) sees the launch of Small Business Week 2007, a week-long campaign dedicated to championing the 4.5 million-plus small enterprises…BUSINESS
26 OCT 2007Small firm owners fail to keep track of debtsOver a third of SME owners admit they don't know how much money they owe or are owed at any given time, according to a recent survey.BUSINESS
25 OCT 2007Arctic case costs taxpayers over £500,000British tax payers are facing a bill of over half a million pounds after the Government pursued the Arctic Systems (Section 660) case to the House of…IR35
12 OCT 2007PBR (4): The magpie has landed - QdosAs the dust settles on this Chancellor's first Pre Budget Report, Qdos Consulting offers its view on the effects on contractors.POLITICS
9 OCT 2007Myths about umbrella companiesAn umbrella company has claimed that some of the most common myths in the industry are those that relate to expense claims.BUSINESS
23 AUG 2007HMRC explains VAT registration delaysHM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has blamed the current delays on VAT registrations on a rise in registrations due to the Managed Service Companies…BUSINESS
6 AUG 2007Arctic: HMRC issues guidanceHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued further guidance relating to ongoing cases and tax returns in the light of the Government's defeat on the…IR35
1 AUG 2007Arctic: Reactions to the Lords decisionProfessional bodies and business organisations in the freelancing community have been welcoming the Arctic Systems victory in the House of Lords.IR35
28 JUN 2007FSB welcomes Lords rejection of EU paperThe Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed a House of Lords report that rejects European Commission proposals to extend EU labour laws.BUSINESS
27 JUN 2007MSCs: HMRC could clampdown on 'accountants'Managed service company providers (MSCs) who continue to provide services to one man limited companies by claiming to be 'professional accountants'…POLITICS
15 JUN 2007Delays with VAT registrationHM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is struggling to cope with the new applications for VAT registration.BUSINESS
13 JUN 2007Having your 'test case' and eating itAlthough the court room battle relating to Arctic Systems has concluded in the House of Lords, there is still confusion as to the wider impact of the…IR35
5 JUN 2007Brookson responds to contractors' commentsThe new Managed Service Company rules have caused disruption and uncertainty for many contractors and those companies which provide services to small…POLITICS
1 JUN 2007HMRC no longer 'thinks' about penaltiesThe Government has removed its controversial wording in the Finance Bill which allowed penalties to be levied according to what 'HMRC thinks...'.BUSINESS
27 MAR 2007Why doesn't Mr Brown like small firms?Anyone running a small business must be wondering what they've done to upset the Chancellor.VIEWPOINT
15 MAR 2007MSCs: Two wrongs don't make a rightThe respected professional bodies, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants, have been united in their condemnation of the Government's…VIEWPOINT
30 JAN 2007MSCs: Using a sledge hammer to miss the nut?The Government's attempt to crack down on Managed Service Companies (MSCs) has been the subject of much debate and discussion - but will they…VIEWPOINT
4 JAN 2007Performance bonuses for the taxmanTax inspectors are being offered individual bonuses of up to £2,000 to track down more unpaid tax, according to a report in the Daily Mail.PRESS

2006

13 DEC 2006DTI faces abolition under BrownThe Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) faces almost-certain abolition under a shake-up being considered by Gordon Brown when he becomes prime…PRESS
8 DEC 2006Tightening up on tax advantagesTax expert Anne Redston has said that a clear message has emerged from the Pre Budget Report: that the Chancellor has his sights targeted, possibly…PRESS
5 DEC 2006Small businesses need shake-up of postal serviceThe Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called for a sustained approach from regulators to improve the postal service offered to small business…BUSINESS
28 NOV 2006Plans for simpler tax for small firms?The government aims to simplify how small businesses manage their tax affairs under a four-year plan according to Reuters news agency.PRESS
23 NOV 2006Brussels threat to freelancingTwo small business groups have reacted with alarm at the publication of a European Green Paper, amid fears that under the new proposals, all working…BUSINESS
27 OCT 2006844 Safe Solutions Accounting companies face administratorsThe administrators have been brought in for 844 UK limited companies following a successful test case application brought by HM Revenue & Customs…BUSINESS
23 OCT 2006TUC busts safety mythsThe TUC has claimed to have busted some of the most common health and safety myths including that small businesses face more health and safety…BUSINESS
20 OCT 2006Pressure group welcomes tax proposalsA small business pressure group has welcomed proposals by the Tax Reform Commission to simplify business taxes.BUSINESS
20 OCT 2006HMRC business open day in NorfolkSmall firms in Norfolk are invited to a business open day with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on November 2, 2006 Free information on a wide range of…BUSINESS
19 OCT 2006Tories promise to tax the bad, not the goodThe Tax Reform Commission has made 40 recommendations to streamline and simplify the UK tax system, as part of a review by the Conservative Party.BUSINESS
18 OCT 2006Audit burden lifted for small financial firmsThe DTI has laid regulations that could save small financial services companies some £15.25m a year in total.BUSINESS
17 OCT 2006Tax dispensations on expensesSome contractors who work under the aegis of a managed service or 'umbrella' company, may find themselves the subject of scrutiny by HM Revenue and…BUSINESS
16 OCT 2006Tax avoidance schemes stats to be publishedHM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced that it intends to publish the number of disclosures of tax avoidance schemes received.BUSINESS
16 OCT 2006Appoint an attorney now, elderly warnedOlder people who fear they may become unable to deal with their financial affairs should consider appointing a trusted relative, friend or…BUSINESS
11 OCT 2006Tories called on to take tax initiativeA small business pressure group is calling on the Conservative Party to look at ways of lifting the tax burden on smaller firms if they want to win…BUSINESS
10 OCT 2006What contractors want from an agentAlmost half of contractors and temporary staff (42 per cent) think that continuity of relationship with their recruitment consultant is what they…BUSINESS
9 OCT 2006Parasol defends PCG's independenceA recent debate was triggered about the trade association, the Professional Contractors Group (PCG) compromising its independence and damaging its…BUSINESS
9 OCT 2006The checks and balances of outsourcingRecent discussion on UKTECH - and in the Channel 4 Dispatches programme - has highlighted concerns and breaches of security at Indian call centres or…BUSINESS
6 OCT 2006'Stop treating IT consultants like a commodity'Martin Smith of GCS, the IT recruitment specialists, proffers a plea and personal view on the growing trend of IT personnel being viewed as purchased…BUSINESS
6 OCT 2006Small firms encouraged to help charitiesWith just three months to go before the end of the Payroll Giving Grants programme, the Institute of Fundraising ('Institute') is urging small to…BUSINESS
4 OCT 2006HMRC to change definition of fraudTaxpayers could face 10 years in prison for a failure to disclose information, as HM Revenue & Customs gears up to treat misdemeanours more seriously.BUSINESS
3 OCT 2006Self-employed face higher child supportIn calculating a self-employed trader's earnings for child support purposes, no deduction for capital allowances should be made, according to a…BUSINESS
2 OCT 2006Red Tape October hits small firmsChanges in age discrimination laws, fire regulations, the National Minimum Wage and maternity rights will pile the pressure on smaller firms.BUSINESS
2 OCT 2006DTI: Employment Agencies ActA recent article on UKTECH led to considerable debate about opting out from agencies regulations.BUSINESS
2 OCT 2006'Blog' your way to businessNearly half of small businesses would use a blog to drive traffic to their website and increase sales according to new research but only three per…BUSINESS
29 SEP 2006Directors in the dark on insolvencyMore than half of company directors could become personally liable for their company's debts in the event of insolvency, due to ignorance of basic…BUSINESS
28 SEP 2006Qualifications come under new age lawsThe impending introduction of the Age Discrimination Act will force employers to rethink their job requirements if these include a university degree…BUSINESS
28 SEP 2006Has the PCG compromised its independence?The decision of the trade association, the Professional Contractors Group (PCG), to market an umbrella scheme, has jeopardised its ability to speak…BUSINESS
27 SEP 2006Small firms adopt out-of-office workingA new survey of small businesses shows that more than 80 per cent are geared up for remote working but less than half of UK staff take advantage of…BUSINESS
26 SEP 2006Red Tape October faces small firmsSmall firms face more red tape with a range of new regulations scheduled to come into effect in October.BUSINESS
25 SEP 2006Friendly-family policies hit small businessAs the political party conference season is now well under way, one small business pressure group is calling on the three major political parties to…BUSINESS
22 SEP 2006CBI: Give SBS real powerThe days of the beleaguered Small Business Service (SBS) are numbered in its current form as yet another representative group - this time the large…BUSINESS
21 SEP 2006Pressure on pay for IT contractorsOnly four per cent of IT contractors go three months or more without work between contracts, the lowest figure for long term joblessness for IT…BUSINESS
20 SEP 2006Avoiding deemed employmentRecent high profile court cases¹ have found that some of the characteristics of the relationship between the contractor and the end client have…BUSINESS
18 SEP 2006Downsizing the Small Business ServiceA radical downsizing of the government agency charged with supporting small business will be announced by ministers soon, as part of a streamlining…BUSINESS
15 SEP 2006Union demands action on IT work permitsThe government is under pressure from the Amicus trade union to award fewer work permits for overseas IT workers, as figures reveal that most such…BUSINESS
14 SEP 2006New laws protect against age discriminationAge discrimination comes into effect in two weeks' time - and that includes discrimination against freelancers or contract staff.BUSINESS
13 SEP 2006Tory review small business schemesThe Conservative Party has announced a complete review of the £2.6 billion "maze" of Government business support schemes and quangos, including the…BUSINESS
13 SEP 2006Signs of a crackdown on composites?Many contractors in the construction industry, and their recruitment agencies, face uncertainty over payment terms as a result of a decision by Her…BUSINESS
11 SEP 2006Small firms loom large in UK businessesSmall businesses make up 99.3 per cent of the 4.3 million business enterprises in the UK according to figures released by the Small Business Service…BUSINESS
11 SEP 2006Parliament (1): The Commons and LordsAccording to George Bernard Shaw: "Alcohol is a very necessary article.......It enables Parliament to do things at eleven at night that no sane…POLITICS
8 SEP 2006A baker's dozen tax tips for small firmsAs part of the Tax Faculty's Tax Return Week, it has offered advice on 13 ways to help small businesses pay less tax.BUSINESS
7 SEP 2006Company law changes loom for directorsA law firm is urging businesses to start preparing for the looming changes to company law due to come into force in 2007.BUSINESS
7 SEP 2006Don't miss out on Small Business Rate ReliefThe Forum of Private Business (FPB) has warned small firms that they are in danger of missing out on Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR), with just…BUSINESS
6 SEP 2006HMRC introduces easier authorisation processHM Revenue & Customs has streamlined the process by which agents and tax advisers can be authorised to act on behalf of their clients in their…BUSINESS
5 SEP 2006File early for HMRC to do the tax sumsNine million people, including small business owners, have until the end of the month to complete a self assessment tax return, if they want the…BUSINESS
4 SEP 2006Warning over excessive powers for HMRCA firm of accountants has warned that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) should not be given powers that exceed those of the police when investigating tax…BUSINESS
1 SEP 2006Are reports of IR35's death premature?The Treasury has confirmed that it will continue to pursue what it sees as 'tax motivated incorporation' - and that IR35 remains one of the tools to…BUSINESS
31 AUG 2006Axe should fall on SBSBusinesses have had enough of the Government's amateur approach to supporting small businesses, says the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), and it…BUSINESS
30 AUG 2006Small firms can claim their £250 incentiveHM Revenue & Customs has advised small businesses they can now claim the £250 incentive payment for online filings.BUSINESS
30 AUG 2006Tories consider tax cuts to woo investorsThe Conservatives are considering plans to cut a tax on the profits of small businesses to boost inward investment, particularly from India.PRESS
29 AUG 2006Welcome for Tories' small firms ideasA small business pressure group has responded positively to the recent proposals by the Conservative Party to help small businesses.BUSINESS
25 AUG 2006Incentives to get your tax return in earlyLast year, 4.8 million people missed the September 30 tax return cut off date.BUSINESS
24 AUG 2006UK business does 'an Eliza Doolittle'UK business people are 'accent chameleons' as two thirds confess to changing their voice in the workplace, with young people most likely to change…BUSINESS
23 AUG 2006Owning a property abroad can be taxingOne of the advantages of freelance work is the flexibility it affords.BUSINESS
21 AUG 2006Outsourcing to India is 'short-sighted'A former IT freelancer who now runs a recruitment agency has argued that outsourcing IT functions to India is 'short-sighted'.BUSINESS
18 AUG 2006Penalties for getting it wrong is backward stepProposals to hand out penalties to firms in breach of regulations is a backward step and could lead to small firms experiencing a breakdown in their…BUSINESS
16 AUG 2006Exodus of entrepreneurial skills from UK businessMore than one quarter of the UK's SME owner-managers might sell their business in the next few years.BUSINESS
15 AUG 2006Watch out - there's identity theft about.Small businesses are being targeted by fraudsters pretending to be Companies House officials who then try to steal their identity.BUSINESS
14 AUG 2006Large pay rise for IT chief at HMRCThe information technology chief of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has been given a 25 per cent pay rise despite presiding over a catalogue of…PRESS
14 AUG 2006Ten facts about the new CIS schemeThe construction industry is gearing up for its own version of IR35 when the new Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) comes into force next year.BUSINESS
11 AUG 2006Five IR35 wins save contractors £300,000Contractor specialists, Bauer & Cottrell, would like to share some summer cheer with contractors having won five IR35 cases and saving contractors…BUSINESS
10 AUG 2006Revenue letters target small businessesIn the next few weeks, some small businesses will be receiving standard letters from HM Revenue & Customs alerting them to possible errors on their…BUSINESS
9 AUG 2006Debt diary gives wrong image for freelancersA BBC online diary about the debt problems facing a young woman has ruffled the feathers of members of the freelancing community.BUSINESS
8 AUG 2006Call to end confusion over self-employed statusThe Treasury should act urgently to clarify what it means by self-employment and sort out the current muddle over the status of managed service…BUSINESS
7 AUG 2006Postal changes worry small firmsSmaller businesses are concerned that changes to the Royal Mail's postage rates this month will increase costs and mean more administration.BUSINESS
3 AUG 2006Construction contractors face employment status upheavalIf you work in the construction industry, big changes are coming from April next year when the new Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) comes into…BUSINESS
1 AUG 2006Tax group calls for end to HMRC's trialsThe controversy surrounding the Government's attempts to pilot a 'lighter touch' approach to tax enquiries continues, as one leading tax body has…BUSINESS
31 JUL 2006All work, little play for SME ownersOwners of small and medium businesses in the UK work 24 hours longer each week than the rest of the UK workforce - but want to keep their weekends…BUSINESS
28 JUL 2006Limited or umbrella? Making the decisionContractors are faced with the decision whether to operate through their own limited company, an umbrella or a composite company.BUSINESS
28 JUL 2006IoD: Government unclear about meaning of complianceBusiness leaders called on the Government to tackle the complexities of tax compliance as the Government decide what new powers HM Revenue & Customs…BUSINESS
27 JUL 2006Travellers' allowances - 'Know before you go'With the summer holiday season in full swing, small business owners, like everyone else, can hope for a few weeks away from the pressures of work…BUSINESS
26 JUL 2006Tax incentives miss enterprise targetMany tax reliefs and incentives need to be reassessed if they are to genuinely help stimulate enterprise and encourage businesses to grow, according…BUSINESS
25 JUL 2006Bullying ruling could apply to freelancersFreelancers could have claims against their clients for bullying in the workplace following a recent Law Lords ruling.BUSINESS
24 JUL 2006'Free' web hosting costs small firms dearlyMany UK businesses are inadvertently driving their customers to competitors by using free web hosting to set up their online presence according to…BUSINESS
24 JUL 2006'People' skills need to grow businessesA key skill in building a successful business is people management, according to an article in the New Statesman.PRESS
21 JUL 2006Business start-ups and closures increaseA substantial rise in business start ups was negated by a similar rise in business closures in the first quarter of the year, according to research…BUSINESS
19 JUL 2006Employment law worries for small firmsEmployment law is causing a major headache for small businesses and many fear that asking for official help would trigger an enquiry.BUSINESS
18 JUL 2006New HMRC trials to be on a voluntary basisHM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a statement saying that those tax payers selected for the new compliance trials will be asked to take part on…BUSINESS
17 JUL 2006Small firms miss out on R&D tax breaksSmall businesses are missing out on millions of pounds of government tax breaks designed to encourage innovation in the UK, according to research by…BUSINESS
14 JUL 2006Welcome for U-turn on tax filing datesAccountants and tax payers breathed a sigh of relief as the Government did a U-turn on their plans to change the dates for filing self-assessment…BUSINESS
14 JUL 2006Treasury must take action to back up wordsThe UK's leading big business organisation, the CBI, has come out with a call for the Government to do more to help small businesses.BUSINESS
13 JUL 2006Self-employed fathers face higher child supportSelf-employed fathers could have to pay more in child support after recent House of Lords ruling in favour of a divorced mother.PRESS
12 JUL 2006Concern at tax man's new interventionA small business pressure group has given a 'mixed response' to a series of new compliance approaches announced by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) this…BUSINESS
12 JUL 2006New Small Firms Minister defends her positionIt is now eight weeks since the new Minister for Small Business, Margaret Hodge, was appointed to the position as part of her wide-ranging DTI…PRESS
11 JUL 2006HMRC trials a 'lighter approach'HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is to trial a 'lighter approach' to tax enquiries by 'exploring simpler and less time-consuming ways of helping taxpayers…BUSINESS
6 JUL 2006Online forms are too taxing for small firmsThe Forum of Private Business (FPB) wants HMRC to take a more flexible approach to proposals which would see businesses forced to fill in tax returns…BUSINESS
5 JUL 2006MPs lack business experienceMPs have been invited to spend time working in a small firm to see for themselves the results of their legislation.BUSINESS
3 JUL 2006Employment rights for contractorsIn the last few days it has been reported that City banks and other financial institutions have been bringing their relationships with freelance IT…BUSINESS
30 JUN 2006Chancellor in tune with the orchestrasChancellor Gordon Brown has come to the rescue of orchestras who could have faced demands for £33 million in unpaid national insurance.PRESS
30 JUN 2006City jitters about employment rightsSome freelancers working in the City are having their contracts terminated early as clients fear being 'deluged' with claims for employment rights…BUSINESS
29 JUN 2006Call for independent tax reviewA respected tax body has criticised a review of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) powers by its own Department and is calling for an independent commission…BUSINESS
28 JUN 2006New portal for access to Government contractsSmall businesses will be able to access Government contracts following the launch of a new business portal.BUSINESS
27 JUN 2006The tale of the freelance driversExperts in tax status, Qdos Consulting, were called in recently to defend a parcel delivery firm against an HM Revenue & Customs challenge to the…BUSINESS
26 JUN 2006Back to school for GovernmentA small business pressure group is calling on the Government to do more to develop the next generation of Alan Sugars, starting with an overhaul of…BUSINESS
26 JUN 2006HMRC issues 74-page guidance note on disclosing tax avoidance schemesThe note explains which tax arrangements must be disclosed, how promoters and users should make a disclosure, and what monitoring systems HMRC…BUSINESS
23 JUN 2006New guide on tax developmentsThe Chancellor's latest campaign in his war on tax avoidance will affect more taxpayers than ever before as the Finance Bill extends the battlefield…BUSINESS
21 JUN 2006Where is the Small Business Minister?A small business pressure group is claiming confusion reigns over the existence of a small business Minister.BUSINESS
16 JUN 2006What do you want from an agency?Do agencies understand what contractors want from them?VIEWPOINT
15 JUN 2006Clients should change way they use contractorsEnd-users must stop treating contractors as employees and finally learn to treat them as true consultants, if they are not to fall foul of employment…BUSINESS
14 JUN 2006Tax on computers provided for private useHM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a guidance note to quash speculation of problems which might arise due to the removal of the tax exemption for…BUSINESS
13 JUN 2006Tax filing date changes to cause 'chaos'A small business pressure group has sounded alarm bells over the Carter review's recommendations for changes to the self-assessment filing dates for…BUSINESS
13 JUN 2006Downturn in public sector IT consultantsThe share of IT contractors working on public sector IT projects has declined for the first time in three years, according to research by giant group…BUSINESS
7 JUN 2006Too busy to plan for the future?UK business owners are putting their future wealth at risk because they are too busy running their businesses to plan for the impact that divorce…BUSINESS
6 JUN 2006Small businesses start as 'accidental entrepreneurs'According to new research into the concerns, inspirations and needs of UK's small and medium sized business community, 54 per cent of UK businesses…BUSINESS
6 JUN 2006New Company Law Bill to bring savingsThe Company Law Reform Bill, aimed at simplifying company law, will bring an estimated £250m of savings for business including an annual benefit of…BUSINESS
5 JUN 2006Employer Talk comes to NewburyEmployers, payroll agents and accountants in the Berkshire area are being offered free payroll advice by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) when the…BUSINESS
2 JUN 2006Half of eligible small firms miss rate relief, council leaders warnA Local Government Association survey found just 48 per cent of small businesses had applied for Small Business Rate Relief, leaving around £400…BUSINESS
2 JUN 2006Higher fees tempt contractorsLucrative fees have tempted an increasing proportion of UK IT workers into becoming contractors, according to silicon.com's 2006 Skills Survey.BUSINESS
1 JUN 2006'Grey-matter' job seekers in the coldA Stockport man, who launched a small business to help older job seekers find work, blasted large employers for their lack of commitment to the over…BUSINESS
31 MAY 2006Pensions White Paper sets out its stallA small business pressure group claims that the Government is trying to sneak in another stealth tax on employment, under the noses of smaller…BUSINESS
26 MAY 2006Arctic couple win Tax Personality of the YearThe couple who challenged the Government on the controversial Section 660 - married couple's business tax - have been awarded the "Tax Personality of…IR35
15 MAY 2006New Minister for Small BusinessMargaret Hodge has been appointed the new DTI Minister with a wide ranging portfolio which includes small businesses.BUSINESS
12 MAY 2006Tax filing deadline by May 19Small businesses have just a week left to file their Employer's Annual Return by the deadline of May 19 2006.BUSINESS
10 MAY 2006DVT dangers of working at a computerAn IT freelancer has warned of the dangers of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after sitting at desks for lengthy periods.BUSINESS
9 MAY 2006CBI backs smarter working practicesThe UK's leading business organisation has announced it will encourage the widespread adoption of smarter working practices, such as flexible…BUSINESS
5 MAY 2006Work wise: work from homeToday (Friday May 5) is National Work from Home Day, as part of a wider campaign, Work Wise UK, to encourage the adoption of smarter working…BUSINESS
4 MAY 2006Small business group defends migrant workersA small business group has hit out at the Chairman of Migration Watch, Sir Andrew Green, claiming his views on immigrant workers are "blinkered".BUSINESS
3 MAY 2006Call for cheque change for small firmsThe Forum of Private Business (FPB) sees no reason why Lloyds TSB can't widen their plans to allow instant interest on cheques paid into personal…BUSINESS
2 MAY 2006Guide to using freelancer supportA new book has been published to help organisations take advantage of a 'skilled, flexible and highly focused freelance talent pool' According to…BUSINESS
28 APR 2006Plea for small insurance brokersThe British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) have jointly warned the Government that they must do…BUSINESS
27 APR 2006Small firms fall behind onlineThe internet is the world's fastest growing industry, creating a global market.BUSINESS
24 APR 2006Cold callers targeting small firmsThe Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has received undertakings from the former directors of Cavendish Black Ltd and McAllister Stone Ltd, two publishing…BUSINESS
24 APR 2006HMRC gives payroll advice in CardiffEmployers, payroll agents and accountants in the south Wales area are being offered free advice by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) when the EmployerTalk…BUSINESS
21 APR 2006Council candidates told to deliver for businessThe Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has launched its business manifesto for next month's local government elections in England.BUSINESS
21 APR 2006Revenue deal with EDS under fireThe "fair" process for handing out lucrative government contracts has been undermined by a secret deal between HM Revenue & Customs and EDS, the…PRESS
20 APR 2006Self-employed: longer hours, less paySelf-employed male Britons have been found to work longer hours for lower wages than those of their employee counterparts.BUSINESS
19 APR 2006Small firms' borrowing growsBanks lent £33 billion to small businesses last year, an 11 per cent increase on 2004, according to figures released by the British Bankers'…BUSINESS
13 APR 2006Rise in temporary jobs and self-employmentThe increase in the number of people in work is almost entirely attributable to more temporary jobs and self-employment according to the Chartered…BUSINESS
11 APR 2006Exercise to measure Red Tape burdenResearch undertaken by accountants KPMG for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) claims that the burden of tax administration in the UK, at around 0.41 per…BUSINESS
10 APR 2006FSA considers removing statutory audit for small firmsThe Financial Services Authority (FSA) has issued a consultation paper outlining proposals to remove the statutory audit requirements under the…BUSINESS
7 APR 2006Finance Bill publishedFinance Bill 2006 is published today (April 7), to enact many of the measures set out by the Chancellor in the recent Budget.BUSINESS
6 APR 2006Freelancers' guide to new pensions regimeToday (April 6) is pensions A-day - the day the numerous tax rules governing pensions are replaced by a single regime.BUSINESS
5 APR 2006IR35 success at General CommissionersAn IT contractor represented by Qdos Consulting has won his long-running battle with the Revenue at an appeal hearing before the General…IR35
4 APR 2006Row over end of Home Computing InitiativeThe Conservatives have launched a campaign to save the scheme that enabled employees to loan a home computer through their workplace.BUSINESS
28 MAR 2006HMRC issue further guidance on Section 660HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued further advice on Section 660 following the news that it will be allowed to appeal the Arctic Systems case in…IR35
27 MAR 2006Arctic Systems to go to LordsHM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will take its Section 660 battle to the House of Lords later this year.IR35
23 MAR 2006Budget (6): Should contractors beware? - QdosA couple of lines in the Budget documentation have signalled that 'managed service company schemes' will be reviewed as the Chancellor linked them…POLITICS
23 MAR 2006Budget (5): Surprises in the small printAs the dust settled on the Chancellor's Budget, tax experts were researching the 300 pages of accompanying reports to see what 'devil was in the…POLITICS
22 MAR 2006Budget (4): Managed service company reviewThe Chancellor issued a warning to small businesses who 'incorporate in order to avoid tax' and announced that it will 'consult on action to tackle…POLITICS
22 MAR 2006Budget (3): Protecting tax revenuesMeasures aimed at tackling tax fraud and avoidance were announced following the Chancellor's speech.POLITICS
22 MAR 2006Budget (2): Key points of speechChancellor Gordon Brown's Budget speech was, in the words of one commentator, 'heavy on politics, light on economics'.POLITICS
22 MAR 2006Budget (1): Chancellor's speech in fullChancellor Gordon Brown today delivered his 10th Budget speech.POLITICS
21 MAR 2006Budget 2006 - coverage for small businesses.Chancellor Gordon Brown will deliver his 10th Budget tomorrow (Wednesday, March 22) from 12.30.POLITICS
8 FEB 2006IT contractors want more money but less hoursTwo thirds of IT contractors expect to earn more in 2006 than in the previous year but over a half want to spend less time doing so, according to a…BUSINESS
7 FEB 2006Section 660 win for QdosAs the Arctic Systems case continues to attract the attention of Section 660 watchers, Qdos Consulting can report a victory in another Section 660…IR35
6 FEB 2006Employment status checker for construction workersHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a new helpline and an interactive online employment status indicator to assist the construction industry…BUSINESS
30 JAN 2006CBI: Government must do more to help small firmsThe CBI, the UK's leading business organisation, has attacked the Government's business support network for failing to provide consistently high…BUSINESS
27 JAN 2006Business and fuel - the VAT alternativesJudging by a recent spate of Ask An Expert questions on UKTECH, VAT on road fuel mileage rates is no doubt flavour of the month.BUSINESS
27 JAN 2006Call for recognition of crime against businessCrime against business should be recorded separately to ensure resources are directed at addressing the problem of business crime according to a…BUSINESS
20 JAN 2006FSB joins attack on Revenue over appealThe Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has strongly attacked HM Revenue & Customs' (HMRC) decision to seek leave to appeal in the House of Lords…IR35
19 JAN 2006Professional bodies guidance on Section 660The six main UK representative bodies involved in tax have issued an updated guidance note to help tax advisers and their clients with their tax…IR35
18 JAN 2006Arctic: Tories attack Revenue's appealThe Conservatives' small business spokesman, Mark Prisk MP, is challenging the Government's approach to Section 660 - the so-called married couple's…IR35
18 JAN 2006Threat to women's independent taxationSome experts believe tax officials want to roll back independent taxation for married women who help run small businesses, according to the Mail on…PRESS
16 JAN 2006Arctic: Revenue issues further adviceHM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has admitted that it is not easy to lay down a clear line following the Arctic Systems case and has advised tax payers to…IR35
16 JAN 2006Arctic appeal: Revenue fight onHM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have confirmed that they have decided to petition the House of Lords for leave to appeal against the decision of the…IR35
9 JAN 2006Arctic appeal decision expected this weekThe Government is expected to announce soon if it will appeal the landmark Arctic Systems case, the so-called married couple's business tax, and…IR35
6 JAN 2006Self-employed ad is 'offensive'A row has broken out about a Government advertisement depicting self-employed people as tax dodgers.BUSINESS

2005

16 DEC 2005(8) Arctic: Settlements and exemptionsThe two main issues in the recent Arctic Systems case were whether there was a settlement and, if so, did the exemption apply.IR35
16 DEC 2005(7) Arctic: It's settled then?Nicola Ross Martin from Ross Martin Accountants has been following the Arctic case every step of the way.IR35
15 DEC 2005(6) Arctic: Full judgmentThe full text of the judgment giving victory to Arctic Systems in the Court of Appeal Section 660 case is now available.IR35
15 DEC 2005(5) Arctic: No merit in Revenue's caseAs the ink dried on the 108 paragraph judgement in the landmark Arctic Systems case, tax experts were unanimous in their agreement that this was a…IR35
15 DEC 2005(4) Arctic: A victory for common senseAccountant Nicola Ross Martin described the Court of Appeal ruling in favour of Arctic Systems as 'nothing more than a ruling on common sense'.IR35
15 DEC 2005(3) Arctic: Victory reactionsThe Court of Appeal ruled that the Inland Revenue made a 'significant extension' - and an incorrect one - to the Section 660 legislation in a…IR35
15 DEC 2005(2) Victory in Court of AppealTens of thousands of married couples in business today received an early Christmas present with a victory in the Court of Appeal Section 660 case.IR35
15 DEC 2005(1) Arctic Court of Appeal decision todayThe Court of Appeal is expected to hand down its decision in the landmark Section 660 case involving Arctic Systems today (December 15).IR35
13 DEC 2005Prisk to speak up for small businessSmall businesses have a new political champion with the appointment of Mark Prisk MP as the new Shadow Minister for Small Business and Enterprise.BUSINESS
7 DEC 2005PBR (7): Gordon will fix it for youThe corporation tax system for small businesses has undergone several changes in recent years.POLITICS
5 DEC 2005PBR (6): SMEs and 'tax motivated incorporation'As regular Budget and Pre-Budget Report watchers are aware, the 'interesting' parts of the Chancellor's announcements are frequently revealed in the…POLITICS
5 DEC 2005PBR (5): Reactions from small business groupsThe small business community and other interested groups began to voice their reaction to the Chancellor's proposals as soon as he sat down.POLITICS
5 DEC 2005PBR (4): 'Protecting tax revenues'A package of measures aimed at tackling tax fraud and avoidance was announced by the Chancellor in the Pre Budget Report.POLITICS
5 DEC 2005PBR (3): Chancellor's speech (part three)The final part of the Chancellor's Pre Budget Report.POLITICS
5 DEC 2005PBR (2): Chancellor's speech (part two)The Chancellor's Pre Budget Report continued (my 'bold' on small business issues and other matter of interest to business).POLITICS
5 DEC 2005PBR (1): Chancellor's speech (part one)The Chancellor, Gordon Brown, outlines his plans for the next 12 months in the Pre Budget Report in the Commons today.POLITICS
2 DEC 2005Arctic Systems: Two days in the Court of AppealThe landmark Section 660 case involving Arctic Systems reached the Court of Appeal this week.IR35
25 NOV 2005Part two: Arctic's road to the Court of AppealNovember 29 sees the start of a landmark case which could have significant financial implications for hundreds of thousands of small businesses owned…IR35
23 NOV 2005Part one: Section 660 - Court of Appeal loomsNext week, the curtain again rises on the on-going legal saga of Section 660 - the so-called 'married couple's business tax'.IR35
9 NOV 2005IR35: Strengthening the caseThe issue of the weight of a contract versus the actual working arrangements has been a matter of some discussion among freelancers and their…IR35
19 OCT 2005Freelancer: A business or a vulnerable temp?Two UK representative bodies are fighting to convince the Government that agency workers are two completely different sets of people.VIEWPOINT
17 OCT 2005FPB: Cut taxes, Mr BrownChancellor Gordon Brown could revive the British economy by cutting tax on business, rather than raising taxes to fill the looming gap in his public…BUSINESS
11 OCT 2005New lending limits for small firmsSmall businesses are being urged to examine the new eligibility criteria of the Small Firms Loan Guarantee (SFLG) scheme, which increases the lending…BUSINESS
10 OCT 2005Employee rights risks for freelancersContractors tempted to bring claims against end users on the back of recent employment tribunal rulings are putting themselves in financial jeopardy…BUSINESS
10 OCT 2005Music industry has Government's earThe Government has launched a new study to examine the financial barriers faced by the small and medium sized businesses that make up 90 per cent of…BUSINESS
5 OCT 2005Pay for IT security consultants leapsPay for IT security consultants has risen by an average of 22 per cent in the last year, evidence that companies are taking action to address…BUSINESS
5 OCT 2005HMRC publishes damning report on itselfHM Customs and Revenue has published a damning 'warts and all' report of its enforcement practices.PRESS
27 SEP 2005Labour's consultants add 1p to taxGovernment spending on private consultants has risen to £2.5 billion, the equivalent of a penny in the pound on income tax, according to official…PRESS
26 SEP 2005Start-ups suffer slumpThe number of people setting up their own business has fallen by 20 per cent in the first half of the year, the largest such fall for a decade…PRESS
23 SEP 2005The business case against Section 660There have been many arguments - some legal and some about fairness - relating to Section 660, the so-called married couple's business tax.IR35
21 SEP 2005UK slips down world business tableAccording to the World Bank, the UK is now close to dropping out of the world's top 10 business-friendly countries.BUSINESS
21 SEP 2005Tax return deadline approachesThe date is fast approaching for the nine million people who are required to complete a self-assessment tax return - but would rather HM Revenue &…BUSINESS
19 SEP 2005Late payments threaten small businessAlmost 2.4 million small businesses across the UK suffer from cash flow problems as a result of delayed payments, forcing over 670,000 to take legal…BUSINESS
15 SEP 2005Date set for Arctic Systems Court of Appeal caseThe landmark Section 660 case involving Arctic Systems has been set for appeal in the Court of Appeal on January 17 and 18 2006.IR35
12 SEP 2005Small Business Minister: Reducing burdensSmall Business Minister, Alun Michael, outlined the Government's thinking towards small businesses at a speech to the Institute of Chartered…BUSINESS
12 SEP 2005Offshoring not hurting employmentOff-shoring IT services and call centres is not having a detrimental effect on UK employment according to official statistics.BUSINESS
12 SEP 2005Small firms fail to check referencesAlmost three-fifths of small businesses use 'word of mouth' to fill vacancies and over half of small business bosses fail to check candidates'…BUSINESS
8 SEP 2005Exploding tax mythsCalculating your tax can be a minefield at the best of times – but a profusion of common tax myths is doing nothing to demystify the complicated tax…BUSINESS
2 SEP 2005Small businesses face virus and spam attacksAn onslaught of unsolicited faxes, e-mails and computer viruses is hitting the pockets of small businesses across the UK, according to research by…BUSINESS
1 SEP 2005Finance for small businessAs the DTI reports a rise of 260,000 new businesses created in 2004, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has issued…BUSINESS
1 SEP 2005Contractors' personal data at riskCompanies that hold personal financial data for large numbers of contractors should increase their security in response to a rapid rise in the number…BUSINESS
31 AUG 2005Contractors don't think taxman is after themNearly two thirds of IT contractors believe they are never likely to have a brush with the authorities in their professional lives and therefore do…BUSINESS
30 AUG 2005Tax free incentive for online filingNew legislation means that many small businesses are filing their end of year tax returns online, either directly or through an intermediary.BUSINESS
26 AUG 2005Confirmation of Arrangements letter and IR35The 'Confirmation of Arrangements' letter between the freelancer and the client has become a useful tool in any IR35 enquiries to support the…BUSINESS
25 AUG 2005Strong growth in small business sectorMinister for Industry and the Regions, Alun Michael, has welcomed a net increase in the business population across the UK, with new figures published…BUSINESS
25 AUG 2005DWP and EDS realign contract for £500m a yearThe Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and EDS, technology services company, have entered into an arrangement which, the Department claims, will…BUSINESS
24 AUG 2005Fast-moving firms can beat the big boysIn the first of two articles on why small is beautiful, the Times looks at the advantages to be gained from flexibility.PRESS
23 AUG 2005Revenue: EBTs, NIC and County courtsHM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have issued a statement on their policy in connection with Employee Benefit Trusts, National Insurance contributions and…BUSINESS
22 AUG 2005Row over £2,000 a day consultantsThe Government is paying IT and management consultants over £2,000 a day according to the Mail on Sunday which claims to have obtained a confidential…BUSINESS
18 AUG 2005New corporation tax interest ratesHM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced new rates of interest for underpaid and overpaid instalment payments of corporation tax, and early payments…BUSINESS
18 AUG 2005DTI amends financial reporting regsThe Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced a new series of regulations amending the accounting and reporting requirements for…BUSINESS
17 AUG 2005Local business fraudsters in dockA Leeds couple who ripped off local businesses by writing fraudulent cheques have been sentenced at Bradford Crown Court after a successful DTI…BUSINESS
15 AUG 2005Government fails small business - CBIThe Government has failed to hit the majority of its targets to stimulate and encourage the development of small businesses, according to a CBI…BUSINESS
12 AUG 2005More tax investigations for small businessMore than one in ten (12 per cent) of SMEs in the UK have been subject to a tax investigation in the last 12 months, according to NOP research…BUSINESS
9 AUG 2005Goodwill payments under taxman's microscopeThe Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced its latest crackdown on small businesses which incorporated to take advantage of the Chancellor's brief…PRESS
4 AUG 2005Government admits 'overselling' ID cardsThe Government has admitted "overselling" the advantages of national identity cards, according to an article on the BBC website.PRESS
2 AUG 2005Top 100 ideas for starting a new businessThe Sunday Times has whittled down its entries in a competition for new business ideas to the top 100 proposals.PRESS
27 JUL 2005Small firms like to be beside the seasideBeing beside the seaside is a growing trend for many entrepreneurs who are choosing to relocate to coastal resorts.PRESS
25 JUL 2005The Revenue gamekeeper catching the tax poacherAn HMRC (Revenue and Customs) Commissioner described how and why the Government is attempting to combat 'imaginative schemes' designed to avoid tax…BUSINESS
20 JUL 2005Deadline approaches to cut tax billFreelancers who pay their tax in two annual instalments have until the end of this month to ask the Revenue to revise their July 31 tax payment…BUSINESS
18 JUL 2005New terrorist laws could hit small firmsThe Government's plans to make all internet service providers (ISPs) record the details of every e-mail sent and received will add to the cost of…PRESS
12 JUL 2005Arctic: The uncertainty continuesLast month, it was confirmed that the landmark Arctic Systems Section 660 case will be further appealed after the defeat in the High Court.IR35
4 JUL 2005Small firms take up R&D tax creditsThe Government used the Treasury's recent Question session in the House of Commons to refute suggestions that small firms were missing out on R&D tax…BUSINESS
4 JUL 2005'Free' gadget scheme stopped by OFTPromoters of website schemes offering the latest expensive hi-tech gadgets as a 'free gift' in return for buying a low-value product, have given…BUSINESS
1 JUL 2005Risk to small businesses from bankruptcy rulingHigh street banks may be more likely to force small business owners to hand over personal assets such as houses and cars if their companies collapse…PRESS
30 JUN 2005Tax enquiries need 'wholesale review'The current system for tax investigations is 'inefficient and often counterproductive' according to two major tax bodies.BUSINESS
29 JUN 2005Husband and wife businesses told 'don't panic'Husband and wife small businesses need not necessarily panic and rush to change their tax arrangements as a result of the recent Arctic Systems…IR35
27 JUN 2005Summer camps for teenage entrepreneursChancellor Gordon Brown is backing a scheme to develop summer camps for budding teenage entrepreneurs, in an attempt to stimulate business culture…PRESS
22 JUN 2005Women encouraged to start a businessThe DTI is holding a two-day online event to encourage women to take the first step towards building a business.BUSINESS
20 JUN 2005DTI gets small business databaseThe Department of Trade and Industry has taken delivery of a comprehensive database of small British high technology companies which it hopes will…PRESS
9 JUN 2005Arctic case to be appealedThe landmark Section 660 case involving Arctic Systems will go to the Court of Appeal.IR35
3 JUN 2005Small businesses in software patents rowSmall businesses could be at risk from Europe's 'Software Patents' Directive, according to the Professional Contractors Group (PCG).BUSINESS
1 JUN 2005Arctic: Small firms should seek advice - FSBThousands of small firms run by husband and wife teams urgently need to find out if they are affected by a high court ruling on the way in which…IR35
27 MAY 2005Arctic: What is market rate?On the 27 April 2005 Mr Justice Park delivered his judgement in the Section 660 Arctic case in which he found in favour of the Inland Revenue.IR35
20 MAY 2005Call for clampdown on tax avoidanceA Labour MP has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) urging the Government to clamp down on artificial tax avoidance schemes.BUSINESS
16 MAY 2005Arctic Systems: Analysis of decisionThe defeat in the High Court of Arctic Systems in the recent Section 660 case dealt a damaging blow to tens of thousands of small businesses owned by…IR35
5 MAY 2005General Election: the runners and ridersFor anyone planning to burn the midnight oil and watch the election results unfold, here's a quick guide to the key times; the key seats and the key…POLITICS
5 MAY 2005No surprises needed for businessWith only hours to go before the election, accountants Ernst and Young has called on the next Government to consider the needs of businesses before…BUSINESS
3 MAY 2005Arctic: Accountants still 'unsure' of adviceThe recent Arctic Section 660 appeal could still leave accountants unsure how to advise small businesses, according to a leading tax body.IR35
29 APR 2005Arctic: Dismay from expertsThe landmark Section 660 Arctic Systems case has received wide-spread coverage in the national and specialist press.IR35
28 APR 2005Arctic: Judge says Section 660 is not 'novel'A leading tax adviser took issue with the Judge's comments in the Arctic appeal that it was nothing new and was unlikely to affect most businesses.IR35
26 APR 2005The Tories 'small business balance sheet'The Conservative Party has outlined its plans for businesses - with a special section on small firms - in its 'Action for Business' manifesto.BUSINESS
21 APR 2005Revenue attack costs construction industry £26mFurther information has been issued by the Revenue and also by the Construction Industry itself.BUSINESS
20 APR 2005Tories plan pre-election sweetenersThe Conservatives are reported to be considering pre-election sweeteners for small businesses, including the abolition of IR35 and the reform of…PRESS
19 APR 2005The potential price of click throughsOne small business learnt a hard lesson about online click advertising when its bill rose from £150 to £17,000 in one weekend.PRESS
15 APR 2005No 'personal promises' to self-employedThe Labour Party's 'personal promises' section on its website omits to include the self-employed as a category in 'employment status'.POLITICS
14 APR 2005Election: Are you in a marginal?The election will be decided by a comparatively small number of people in a small number of constituencies.POLITICS
14 APR 2005Third of start-ups ignore specialist adviceOne-third of people who consider starting a new business do not seek professional guidance, according to new research.BUSINESS
13 APR 2005Mark Prisk makes case for small businessA former freelancer and now a Conservative MP told the Government he had 'grown despairing of their attitude to the self-employed' during the recent…BUSINESS
12 APR 2005Lib Dems' promises for small businessThe Lib Dems have pledged to abolish the DTI and simplify taxes, with particular emphasis on support for small businesses.PRESS
11 APR 2005It's not you, it's SME!Philip Ross, founder of the Labour Small Business Forum and member of UKTECH network, argues why Labour must not lose sight of the electoral…VIEWPOINT
8 APR 2005Anne Redston to leave Ernst & YoungAnne Redston, one of the leading experts in freelancer tax issues, is leaving accountants Ernst & Young at the end of April 2005.BUSINESS
7 APR 2005New Finance Bill publishedA slimmed-down Finance (No 2) Bill has been published in order to pass some of the Budget measures before Parliament is dissolved for the General…BUSINESS
6 APR 2005FPB's manifesto for small businessThe Forum of Private Business (FPB) has launched its election manifesto after presenting it to the Conservative Party leader Michael Howard, Small…BUSINESS
6 APR 2005Consumers' Association gets new powersThe Consumers' Association is to get new powers to protect people from dishonest businesses.BUSINESS
5 APR 2005General election is on May 5Prime Minister Tony Blair ended months of speculation by formally announcing that a general election will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2005.BUSINESS
5 APR 2005Contractors could face more investigationsThe Government's consultation on small business red tape, announced in the Budget, could result in more tax investigations into contractors warns…BUSINESS
4 APR 2005Self-employed? You don't count.Labour Party supremo Alan Milburn 'removed' Britain's 2.8 million self-employed from the economy in a recent attempt to explain claims by the…BUSINESS
1 APR 2005Anti avoidance on PAYE online incentivesThe Government has taken action to prevent 'opportunists' taking advantage of the incentive payments for small businesses to file tax returns online.BUSINESS
31 MAR 2005What's in a name?Four out of five small businesses start out on the wrong foot by giving their business a name that does not stick in people's minds, according to a…BUSINESS
30 MAR 2005Powers of merged Revenue and CustomsThe Government has launched a consultation exercise as part of 'a major review' of the powers, deterrents and safeguards of the new merged Inland…BUSINESS
25 MAR 2005General Election: Will small businesses make a difference?There is an average of 6,000 small businesses in every constituency.VIEWPOINT
24 MAR 2005Publication of Finance BillThe Finance Bill 2005, which enacts many of the measures set out in the Chancellor's Budget statement, has been published.BUSINESS
24 MAR 2005Report on Progress towards a Knowledge Driven EconomyThe Trade & Industry Select Committee has published its report on Progress towards the Knowledge Driven Economy.BUSINESS
23 MAR 2005Arctic case: Three days in the High CourtChartered accountant, Nicola Ross Martin, was at the High Court for the Arctic Systems High Court case.IR35
22 MAR 2005Acca calls for new deal for small businessThe Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the UK's leading accountancy adviser to the small business sector, has published a ten…BUSINESS
22 MAR 2005Lib Dem manifesto backs small businessThe Liberal Democrats pledged to abolish the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as they launched their manifesto for business with special…BUSINESS
17 MAR 2005Draft Company Law Reform Bill 'puts small business first'Proposals to save businesses £250million a year - including £100million to small business - and update company law were published today (March 17) by…BUSINESS
17 MAR 2005Budget: Index of UKTECH articles updated 10.30am 18/3/5UKTECH is providing updates and analysis of the issues affecting small businesses from the Budget.BUSINESS
17 MAR 2005Budget (7): Consultation on owner-managed companiesThe Government has put a deadline of April 29, 2005 on its consultation about taxation and small businesses.BUSINESS
16 MAR 2005Budget (6): Reactions to the BudgetRepresentative bodies and businesses gave a generally cautious welcome to the Budget.BUSINESS
16 MAR 2005Budget (5): Clamp down on tax avoidanceIn his speech, the Chancellor made reference to publishing the details of further action against tax avoidance.BUSINESS
16 MAR 2005Budget (4): Consultation on tax administrationThe Government has published its vision of how, once integrated, the Revenue and Customs departments (HMRC) will deliver 'real improvements in its…BUSINESS
16 MAR 2005Budget (3): Opposition reactionOpposition leaders immediately responded to the Budget in the House of Commons.BUSINESS
16 MAR 2005Budget (2): Full speechChancellor Gordon Brown's Budget speech contained sweeteners for pensioners and those in the education system.BUSINESS
16 MAR 2005Budget (1): Key pointsChancellor Gordon Brown has just concluded delivering his ninth Budget in the House of Commons.BUSINESS
15 MAR 2005Part two: Section 660's High Court battle beginsThis week sees the start of a landmark case which could have significant financial implications for hundreds of thousands of small businesses owned…IR35
14 MAR 2005Call for Budget incentives for small businessA firm of accountants has called on the Chancellor to use this week's Budget to move away from the fixation with 'tax avoidance' and introduce…BUSINESS
11 MAR 2005Brown must lance tax burden on SMEs.The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is calling on the Chancellor to relieve the taxation burden on smaller businesses in his forthcoming budget on 16…BUSINESS
9 MAR 2005Temp Directive 'difficult to enforce'Barry Roback, Chief Executive, JSA Services Limited, the UK's leading specialist accountants for IT contractors, warns that the latest proposed piece…BUSINESS
7 MAR 2005Tax barrister supports Section 660 caseWith just a couple of weeks to go before the High Court appeal into the Section 660 test case, a leading tax lawyer has explained his reasons for…IR35
4 MAR 2005EDS and MOD contractOutsourcing watchers the world over are waiting with bated breath as the Ministry of Defence prepares to announce its much anticipated decision on…BUSINESS
3 MAR 2005Part one: The case of Section 660Later this month will bring a legal battle which will have substantial ramifications for tens of thousands of husband and wife owned small businesses.IR35
2 MAR 2005Concern over powers for merged Revenue/CustomsThe Tax Faculty has described the latest customer guidance on the new merged Revenue and Customs Departments (HMRC) as 'not adequate or effective'…BUSINESS
28 FEB 2005Can a consultant be a real business?The world of small businesses was dealt two legal blows last year when the courts supported the views of the Inland Revenue on two controversial…VIEWPOINT
25 FEB 2005Penalties rise for late tax paymentsSelf-assessment taxpayers, who failed to pay all the tax due for the 2003-2004 tax year by the January 31 deadline, should be aware that they will…BUSINESS
24 FEB 2005New insurance rules for small businessesCompanies employing only their owner will not have to buy employers' liability compulsory insurance (ELCI) from Monday (28th Feb), when new rules…BUSINESS
23 FEB 2005Survey to create manifesto for small businessUKTECH members are invited to take part in a comprehensive independent survey to find out the needs of small business ahead of the next General…BUSINESS
22 FEB 2005Brown taken to task over tax credit promiseAn announcement made by Chancellor Gordon Brown at last year's Budget relating to working tax credit still has no timetable for implementation…BUSINESS
21 FEB 2005ATSCo warns 'ageist IT sector'The IT sector will have to tread carefully when the new laws on age discrimination take effect in 2006 if claims are to be avoided, warns the…BUSINESS
18 FEB 2005E-procurement to help small businessNew e-procurement tools will soon be available that will make it easier for small businesses to compete for UK public sector tenders, according to…BUSINESS
17 FEB 2005Taxation is key to small business voteThe Federation of Small Businesses has unveiled details of its six key principles for a general election year telling candidates that a commitment to…BUSINESS
17 FEB 2005Labour cybersquats 'Michael Howard'The Labour Party has registered three domain names relating to the name of Conservative leader, Michael Howard, in what has been described as a…BUSINESS
14 FEB 2005FSB wants tax overhaul and end of IR35The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called for a commitment to overhaul the tax system for small businesses - including the abolition of…PRESS
11 FEB 2005Women in business...in the countrysideWomen in rural areas who run their own businesses are helping drive up the number of female entrepreneurs in the UK, according to DTI's Equality…BUSINESS
11 FEB 2005Banks and Government compete for IT contractorsThe Government and the UK banking industry could be in direct competition for top IT staff, according to giant group plc, the contractor specialist.BUSINESS
9 FEB 2005Small businesses lose out in Government workThe ability of a business to win contracts from the public sector is directly related to its size according to figures released by the Federation of…BUSINESS
8 FEB 2005After the returns come the enquiriesJust when you breathe a sigh of relief at submitting your tax return by the end of January - the next stage of the Revenue's actions is poised to…PRESS
8 FEB 2005Tax inspector jailed for fraudA Huddersfield tax inspector was sentenced to six months imprisonment at Leeds Crown Court for fraud.BUSINESS
7 FEB 2005Treasury looks at tax amnestySmall businesses in the 'black economy' are set to be offered a partial tax amnesty for past misdeeds in an attempt to encourage them to 'set their…PRESS
7 FEB 2005Late filing brings bonus for taxmanTax payers are set to gift the taxman an unnecessary £412 million this year in fines generated by late returns, miscalculations and surcharges on…BUSINESS
3 FEB 2005Call for OFT to protect small businessesSmall businesses will continue to fall victim to fraudsters and con artists until the government extends its protection for consumers to include…BUSINESS
2 FEB 2005Extra time for online tax returnsThe Inland Revenue is allowing taxpayers two more weeks to file their tax returns, after its website buckled under the numbers of people trying to…BUSINESS
2 FEB 2005Who knows the tax bill for UK business?Businesses pay and administer over 20 different taxes in the UK, so does anyone really know how much tax businesses pay?BUSINESS
1 FEB 2005Row looms over back-dated tax proposalsThe Treasury is poised to introduce one of the most draconian tax measures in centuries, by introducing a new power to tax workers and businesses…BUSINESS
1 FEB 2005Call to end tax return scrambleAs the nation scrambled to meet yesterday’s self assessment deadline, a small business pressure group is calling for common-sense changes that would…BUSINESS
31 JAN 2005Under one Roof - merger of Revenue deptsBarry Hincks of Qdos Consulting looks at the implications of the forthcoming merger of the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise.BUSINESS
27 JAN 2005Freelancer loses 'misdirected' IR35 caseAn IR35 case has been lost at the Special Commissioners amid much criticism that the case was 'short of real evidence' and that much of the efforts…BUSINESS
26 JAN 2005Grant for payroll givingA new initiative - the Payroll Giving Grants programme - is rewarding any employer, with fewer than 500 staff, with a cash incentive of up to £500…BUSINESS
25 JAN 2005Contractors in demand in the CityThe financial services sector has leapfrogged the public sector to regain its traditional position as the UK’s biggest user of IT contractors…BUSINESS
24 JAN 2005Concern about Revenue's power to enterConcern is growing that businesses under investigation by the taxman could face 'seizing and entering' procedures without a court order after the…PRESS
24 JAN 2005Tax Faculty responds to ToriesA leading tax body has written to the Conservative party expressing its concerns that the UK tax system is too complicated and stating that it is in…BUSINESS
21 JAN 2005Tax return deadline loomsThe dog was sick on my homework might have worked with the occasional history essay at school, but the majority of excuses won't wash with the Inland…BUSINESS
21 JAN 2005How to sack someoneNew unfair dismissal legislation came into force in October and employers who don’t follow the rules could find themselves explaining that failure at…PRESS
20 JAN 2005Have your say about No. 10's websiteUsers of the 10 Downing Street website are being asked for their views on the site.BUSINESS
20 JAN 2005Entrepreneur of the Year 2005Accountants, Ernst & Young, are looking for successful businessmen and women to compete for the title 'Entrepreneur of the Year 2005'.BUSINESS
19 JAN 2005Tory quango cull 'a muddle'The Tories should use their projected £12 billion in tax cuts to reduce either employer National Insurance Contributions or business rates - two of…BUSINESS
19 JAN 2005Late payment problems for small businessBusinesses in the UK are waiting on over £11 billion collectively, with SMEs owed an average of £33,600 each, according to research by Direct Credit.BUSINESS
18 JAN 2005'Pop Idol' chance for entrepreneursThe BBC is currently running a series of programmes 'Dragon's Den', a version of Pop Idol for would-be-entrepreneurs.PRESS
17 JAN 2005Revenue's confidentiality oath to stayPaymaster General, Dawn Primarolo, has bowed to opposition pressure over controversial plans to scrap a confidentiality oath for Inland Revenue…BUSINESS
14 JAN 2005The Freedom of Information ActIt has been widely reported that the Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas, is investigating allegations that the Cabinet Office ordered its staff…BUSINESS
13 JAN 2005Fair Recovery of VAT on Costs Relating to SharesFrom 3 December 2004, new tax avoidance legislation was introduced.BUSINESS
12 JAN 2005Ten New Year tax tipsIf there is a New Year resolution that is worth keeping, it is the promise to get your tax affairs in order.BUSINESS
12 JAN 2005How to deal with voluntary insolvencyThe harsh reality of running a small business is that many such ventures are doomed to fail.PRESS
11 JAN 2005New guides on small business fundingTwo new guides designed to help small and growing firms improve their chances of raising the right funding for their business have been launched by…BUSINESS
10 JAN 2005Portal for SMEs to bid for Government contractsMillions of small businesses nationwide will soon have direct access to local and central government business opportunities, through a new national…BUSINESS
10 JAN 2005Tax relief for cash gifts to charityIn light of the recent appeals for the Tsunami disaster relief fund, Linda Eales of Qdos Consulting has summarised the systems of tax relief for cash…BUSINESS
6 JAN 2005China goes freelanceThe Chinese government has reported nearly 40 percent of the urban employees are working as freelancers in a country where people used to have only…BUSINESS
6 JAN 2005Domain name scamA Swansea-based businessman has stopped making misleading statements about internet domain name registrations following OFT court action.BUSINESS
5 JAN 2005Abolition of IR35 back on Tory agendaThe Conservatives are considering abolishing IR35 and changing Section 660 - the so-called married couple's business tax - as part of a package to…BUSINESS
4 JAN 2005Taxman has sights on eBay tradersThe taxman is taking an increased interest in traders on eBay according to a report in the Times.PRESS

2004

29 DEC 2004New regs change sale of small business tax insuranceThe new regulations from the Financial Services Authority have caused some trade associations and other unregulated bodies to re-evaluate the way…BUSINESS
24 DEC 2004Charities want old mobiles for ChristmasIf a new mobile phone is on your present list for Christmas, you can also put your old one to good use and recycle it for charity.BUSINESS
23 DEC 2004Some taxes for Gordon - from the history books!This Christmas the Chancellor will be counting his pennies and wondering just how he can balance the country's books without raising income tax in…BUSINESS
20 DEC 2004Congestion charge hit for small businessThe Forum of Private Business (FPB) claim the Transport Secretary and his senior transport adviser are signing the death certificate of countless…BUSINESS
17 DEC 2004'Merry Christmas' - with a virusSome UK small businesses received emailed Christmas greetings this week, but many of these innocent looking seasonal messages disguised the latest…BUSINESS
14 DEC 2004Date set for Arctic High Court appealThe High Court appeal of the Arctic Systems Section 660 case will start on 15 March 2005 and will last three days.IR35
14 DEC 2004Lack of enterprise culture in UKThe Government has failed to foster an enterprise culture in Britain, with companies feeling constrained by red tape, taxation and skill shortages…BUSINESS
10 DEC 2004Mark Prisk speaks up for small businessOpposition spokesman, Mark Prisk, used the Queen's Speech debate in Parliament to make the case against unjust regulations and the complex tax system…BUSINESS
9 DEC 2004VAT moves welcomedA small business group has applauded the Government's intention to look at VAT issues affecting small, labour-intensive businesses.BUSINESS
9 DEC 2004Small business could pay for tax shortfallIncentives for small business owners may be consigned to history as the Government seeks to plug a £34.2 billion funding shortfall, according to the…PRESS
7 DEC 2004"Small firms win tax lifeline"The Chancellor's decision to launch a wide-ranging review of small business taxation has received a cautious welcome, according to a report in The…PRESS
6 DEC 2004New small business tax unitDetails of a new small business unit that will change the tax administration for small businesses, have been announced by David Varney, Chairman of…BUSINESS
3 DEC 2004PBR(13): Hints at more tax for freelancersThe discussion paper titled ‘Small companies, the self-employed and the tax system’ published as part of the Chancellor’s Pre Budget announcement…BUSINESS
3 DEC 2004UKTECH's Pre Budget Report coverage updated 12.30 Dec 3For ease of reference during the coverage of the Pre Budget Report, I'll keep this article as an index of the Pre Budget Report stories.BUSINESS
3 DEC 2004PBR(12) 'More Brown rhetoric' - QdosKeith Preece from Qdos Consulting sees little comfort for small businesses among 'more Brown rhetoric'.BUSINESS
3 DEC 2004PBR(11): JSA summary of main measuresJSA Group, the specialist accountants for IT contractors, offers its summary of the measures in the Pre Budget Report.BUSINESS
3 DEC 2004PBR(10): Reaction from Simon SweetmanSimon Sweetman, sole practitioner and member of UKTECH's Ask An Expert panel gives his views to UKTECH readers on the Pre Budget Report.BUSINESS
3 DEC 2004PBR(9): Reaction from the PCGThe Professional Contractors Group (PCG) has welcomed the Chancellor's stated goal of world leadership in science and technology, as outlined in the…BUSINESS
2 DEC 2004PBR(8): Discussion paper on small business and taxThe Treasury has published its discussion document relating to 'Small companies, the self-employed and the tax system'.BUSINESS
2 DEC 2004PRB(7). Clampdown on 'avoidance'Tucked away in the 'supplementary releases' on the Inland Revenue website at the end of a technical note is a statement from Dawn Primarolo that the…BUSINESS
2 DEC 2004PBR(6): FSB reaction for small businessSimon Sweetman, Vice-Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses' taxation committee and a member of UKTECH's Ask An Expert panel gave the FSB's…BUSINESS
2 DEC 2004PRB(5): Hampton review on inspectionFollowing the Pre Budget Report, Philip Hampton has published his interim report, Reducing administrative burdens: effective inspection and…BUSINESS
2 DEC 2004PBR(4): Chancellor speech in fullPre Budget Report statement to the House of Commons by Chancellor Gordon Brown.BUSINESS
2 DEC 2004PBR(3): 'Protecting tax revenues'A package of measures aimed at 'tackling tax fraud and avoidance' was announced by the Chancellor in the Pre Budget Report.BUSINESS
2 DEC 2004PBR (2): Small business headlinesThe Chancellor's Pre Budget Report revealed that there are plans to simplify the tax regime for small businesses.BUSINESS
2 DEC 2004PBR(1): Pre Budget Report today (Dec 2)Later this morning (December 2), the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, will lift the lid on his latest plans for the economy - and small businesses.BUSINESS
2 DEC 2004Passing on the business batonUp to 100,000 businesses a year are facing closure due to the lack of an effective succession plan, according to a report published by the DTI's…BUSINESS
1 DEC 2004Two new experts on Ask An Expert panelTwo new experts have joined UKTECH's Ask An Expert panel, both bringing an extra dimension along with their accountancy skills.ASK THE EXPERTS
1 DEC 2004VAT hit for 'Business Links'Gordon Brown has been dubbed the 'stealth Chancellor' by the Times for plans to 'secretly claw back funding promised to small businesses by tweaking…PRESS
30 NOV 2004ID Cards Bill publishedFurther details about the national compulsory identity cards scheme emerged as the Home Office's Identity Cards Bill was published.BUSINESS
30 NOV 2004Arctic case goes to appealThe Arctic Systems' Section 660 case will go to appeal in the High Court.IR35
30 NOV 2004SBC's manifesto for small businessPublished just days before the Chancellor outlines, in the Pre-Budget Report, his plans to help UK businesses, the Small Business Council's (SBC)…BUSINESS
29 NOV 2004Fiddling while Rome burnsIn the past year, I have written several stories about Government initiatives to help what it perceives to be under-represented groups start their…VIEWPOINT
29 NOV 2004Brown should grasp opportunity of tax reviewThe Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has published its submission to the Treasury which calls on Chancellor Gordon Brown to grasp the opportunity…BUSINESS
29 NOV 2004Enterprise aid for mental health sufferersThirteen new projects to encourage enterprise among people with mental health conditions will be set up with £1.25 million of DTI funding, Minister…BUSINESS
28 NOV 2004Small businesses' views on new DepartmentA new study published by the DTI's Small Business Service (SBS) sets out the views of small businesses regarding the current organisational changes…BUSINESS
26 NOV 2004Customs and IR merger Bill publishedThe Paymaster General, Dawn Primarolo, has published the Bill to merge Customs and Inland Revenue and promised 'improved customer service for…BUSINESS
26 NOV 2004Keeping it simple – giving entrepreneurs what they needChancellor Gordon Brown has already told us that next week's (December 2) Pre-Budget Report will be one for enterprise.BUSINESS
25 NOV 2004Analysis of new Revenue guidanceIndependent practitioner and Section 660 expert, Simon Sweetman, gives his views on the Revenue's latest Section 660 guidance, following the Arctic…IR35
25 NOV 2004The tale of 'Peter' - running a small businessFrancesca Lagerberg, deputy chairman of the ICAEW Tax Faculty and chairman of the small business working party of the Chartered Institute of…BUSINESS
24 NOV 2004Experts disappointed at new Revenue guidanceThe professional bodies and leading practitioners have expressed disappointment at the new Inland Revenue guidance on the Section 660 affecting…IR35
23 NOV 2004Queen's Speech: Government's next stepsThe Queen's Speech has set out the Government's proposed legislative agenda for the next session of Parliament.BUSINESS
23 NOV 2004What does the Chancellor do next?The Chancellor's Pre-Budget Report next week (December 2) could signal the start of legislation to put Section 660 - the married couple's business…BUSINESS
18 NOV 2004New Revenue guidance on Section 660The Revenue has published a new guidance booklet on Section 660 - the so-called married couple's business tax.IR35
18 NOV 2004Cyber tax loophole for laptopsShrewd bosses are profiting from a legitimate tax loophole that allows them to promote staff loyalty while avoiding the expense of cash bonuses…BUSINESS
17 NOV 2004Blunkett: ID cards will protect civil libertiesThe Government's plans for a national, compulsory ID cards scheme will create a practical, simple and secure way for ordinary citizens to protect and…BUSINESS
17 NOV 2004MPs give merger cautious welcomeThe merger of Customs & Excise with the Inland Revenue into a single tax collection agency should save money on administration, and be of benefit to…BUSINESS
16 NOV 2004Jail for IT insurance fraudsterInsurance consultant, Robert Damon-Aspen, was jailed for two and a half years for deception conducted through his internet-based insurance…BUSINESS
15 NOV 2004Have an 'Enterprising Week'Enterprise Week began today (November 15) with the emphasis on kick starting an entrepreneurial culture among the young by giving them 'the…BUSINESS
12 NOV 2004Pre Budget Report date setThe Chancellor's Pre Budget Report, which should signal the future direction he takes for small businesses, is scheduled for Thursday, December 2.BUSINESS
11 NOV 2004Tories begin tax consultationThe Conservative Party has unveiled a series of options for lifting the burden of tax from millions of middle and lower income earners.BUSINESS
10 NOV 2004Earl of Kintore diesThe Earl of Kintore, one of the political champions of freelancers, died at his home recently.BUSINESS
10 NOV 2004The Treasury needs a reality checkJSA's Chief Executive, Barry Roback, looks at how the IT contract market has changed over the past 15 years and calls for the Treasury to have a…BUSINESS
9 NOV 2004Arctic Systems - decision could be wrongThe decision in the recent Arctic Systems 'husband and wife' tax case may have been incorrect - and there may have been no decision at all, according…IR35
9 NOV 2004Clients more willing to sueIT contractors may face an increasing risk of being sued when their projects fail to meet contractual obligations, says contractor specialist giant…BUSINESS
8 NOV 2004Get out of jail and get into businessSmall Business Minister Nigel Griffiths has launched new funding for two projects designed to give offenders and ex-offenders the opportunity to…BUSINESS
5 NOV 2004Revenue wins e-services awardThe Inland Revenue's e-services programme has been awarded the "Best innovator in the public sector" award.BUSINESS
5 NOV 2004CIS - proposed changes cause concernAndrew Scrivens of business advisers, IRPC Taxation Services, has submitted a letter to UKTECH outlining his concerns about the proposed changes to…BUSINESS
4 NOV 2004Small businesses on the increaseSmall Business Minister Nigel Griffiths welcomed new figures that show the highest number of business VAT registrations since records began in 1994.BUSINESS
3 NOV 2004IR35 case study: 'Absolutely fabulous' IR35 winFreelancer specialists, Bauer & Cottrell, outline a recent IR35 case study, where the Revenue ignored the contracts and went straight to the end…IR35
2 NOV 2004The tale of two call centresWhy are so many jobs being moved overseas?PRESS
1 NOV 2004What we have here is a failure to communicateMembers of the UKTECH network were recently invited to participate in an online consultation about what you want from Government IT.VIEWPOINT
1 NOV 2004Brown urged to delay tax changesThe chair of the Government's own Small Business Council has called on the Chancellor to agree to a moratorium on new tax laws for two years and has…BUSINESS
29 OCT 2004What do you want from Government IT?Members of the UKTECH network are invited to participate in an online consultation about what you want from an 'ideal government' relating to…BUSINESS
29 OCT 2004Small business on Pre Budget wish-listBusiness and financial advisers Grant Thornton produced a Pre-Budget Report (PBR) wish list for businesses and a request that some of the more…BUSINESS
29 OCT 2004Confidence up in recruitment sectorFollowing difficult market conditions over the past few years, the UK recruitment industry experienced strong growth in the 2003/2004 period, with a…BUSINESS
28 OCT 2004'Good progress' on ID cardsThe Government is making 'good progress' with its plans for national, compulsory ID cards, the Home Secretary, David Blunkett, said as he published…POLITICS
27 OCT 2004Accountants advise 'don't panic'Accountants, BDO Stoy Hayward has advised husband and wife companies 'not to panic' after the Revenue's recent Section 660 victory - and has issued a…IR35
27 OCT 2004The role of British Asians in small businessAn article in India's Telegraph examines the role the British Asian community has played in small businesses in the UK.PRESS
26 OCT 2004The cost of Government consultantsThe Government is spending £1.75 billion a year on private sector consultants to help departments push through reform of the public services…BUSINESS
22 OCT 2004DTI sends out wrong informationThe Government has wasted more than £200,000 reprinting a leaflet that had wrongly set out guidelines for resolving disputes with members of staff.BUSINESS
21 OCT 2004Tories set out agenda for tax reformThe Conservative party has highlighted IR35 and Section 660 as two areas of complexity for small businesses in its agenda for tax reform.BUSINESS
20 OCT 2004Revenue's 'room for improvement'The Inland Revenue has accepted there is room for improvement, after it received considerable criticism from the professional bodies for sending…BUSINESS
19 OCT 2004'Bonjour - c'est Morocco ici'French-speaking call centre workers could soon have to inform customers at the start of their conversation if they are calling from an offshore…BUSINESS
14 OCT 2004Substitution a factor in High Court defeatMore details are emerging of the recent IR35 High Court case which found against former freelancer, Bill Hood and his company Usetech.IR35
13 OCT 2004Small business groups talk taxEight organisations representing both small business and tax met recently to discuss those tax issues which cause problems for growing enterprises.BUSINESS
13 OCT 2004Beware latest scam: money launderingSmall businesses are being warned to be on the look-out for the latest letter scam, using the money laundering rules to frighten them into handing…BUSINESS
12 OCT 2004Small businesses get late reprieve on audit rulesSmall businesses have been given a late reprieve from auditing standards that would have forced them to employ two different accounting firms to…BUSINESS
12 OCT 2004Self employment on the upSelf-employment in the UK has increased markedly in recent years, and between mid-2002 and the end of 2003 was growing faster than at any time since…BUSINESS
11 OCT 2004IR35: Freelancer loses in High CourtThe contractor community suffered its second legal blow in as many weeks, as freelancer Bill Hood and his company, Usetech, lost his IR35 appeal…IR35
11 OCT 2004Arctic case: Decision available (10)The detailed judgement relating to the recent Arctic Systems/Section 660 Special Commissioners' case is now available.IR35
11 OCT 2004Disclosure burden falls on clientsThe Treasury has come up with a solution to break the deadlock after lawyers indicated they would not reveal details of their clients' tax avoidance…BUSINESS
11 OCT 2004Freelancers could be outside Agency DirectiveThe Agency Workers Directive (AWD), which received the firm backing of the Prime Minister at the TUC conference in September, may not apply to…BUSINESS
8 OCT 2004Business rates for small businessesSmall businesses should be on the look out for a Business Rates Notice from their local Valuation Office in the next month.BUSINESS
6 OCT 2004Section 660: Accountants fight back (9)The accountancy profession is preparing to mount a fight back against the recent Section 660 ruling in favour of the Inland Revenue that could force…BUSINESS
5 OCT 2004Arctic case: What next for settlements? (8)Independent adviser, Simon Sweetman, one of the country's leading Section 660 experts and a member of UKTECH's Ask An Expert panel, reviews the…BUSINESS
5 OCT 2004Government small business advice at odds with Revenue's Section 660 lineThe dividend 'top up' advice on the DTI-backed Business Links site runs counter to the Inland Revenue clampdown that could leave tens of thousands of…IR35
5 OCT 2004Government accepts changes to small firms loan schemeThe Government has accepted the recommendations on the future of the Small Firms Loan Guarantee (SFLG) in the Teresa Graham report.BUSINESS
4 OCT 2004Business Links site advises family firms to top up pay with dividendsA member of the UKTECH network found the Government's Business Links site telling small businesses that family members' remuneration can be topped up…BUSINESS
1 OCT 2004Section 660: Where the Commissioners disagreedDetails are emerging that the two Special Commissioners in the Arctic Systems Section 660 case disagreed on several important aspects of the case.IR35
1 OCT 2004Section 660: Where the Commissioners disagreed (6)Details are emerging that the two Special Commissioners in the Arctic Systems Section 660 case disagreed on several important aspects of the case.BUSINESS
1 OCT 2004Section 660 defeat: It was a penalty shoot out (5)The 'split decision' in the Section 660 Arctic Systems case where the two Special Commissioners could not agree with each other, will lead to…BUSINESS
1 OCT 2004Section 660 defeat: It was a penalty shoot outThe 'split decision' in the Section 660 Arctic Systems case where the two Special Commissioners could not agree with each other, will lead to…IR35
29 SEP 2004Commissioners' 1-1 split on Arctic Systems leaves small firms in doubtSimon Sweetman and PCG chairman Simon Juden asked how a small business can properly self-assess when two expert Commissioners of Tax could not agree…BUSINESS
29 SEP 2004Advisers warn of wider Section 660 attack after Arctic Systems defeatBauer & Cottrell, Accountax, the PCG and Qdos Consulting said the Special Commissioners' decision for the Revenue in the Arctic Systems case would…IR35
29 SEP 2004Revenue victory in Section 660 case (2)The small business world suffered a blow as the Inland Revenue won the Arctic Systems' Section 660 'test case' at the Special Commissioners.BUSINESS
29 SEP 2004Newsflash: Freelancers lose Section 660 case (1)The Inland Revenue has won the Arctic Systems Section 660 case in the Special Commissioners.BUSINESS
29 SEP 2004'Red Tape Day' loomsBusinesses in the UK are to face a barrage of new regulations this week, including changes to minimum wages, employment tribunals and disciplinary…BUSINESS
28 SEP 2004Revenue defends its 'gone fishing' lettersThe Inland Revenue has gone on the defensive to counter the growing criticism of their exercise of sending out 'enabling letters' to small…BUSINESS
27 SEP 2004FPB warns of new accountancy costA small business pressure group is warning that SMEs are to be hit with significant new accountancy costs due to new auditing rules about to come…BUSINESS
27 SEP 2004The IR calls on eBayThe Inland Revenue is taking a close look at the trading activities on eBay, the online auction site.PRESS
24 SEP 2004Lawyers drive 'coach and horses' through IR schemeThe new scheme to make advisers disclose details of tax avoidance schemes is set to fail after the Law Society advised solicitors that they may not…BUSINESS
22 SEP 2004OFT clamps down on bogus data protectionThe OFT has taken action to stop a Gloucestershire-based businessman sending misleading data protection mailings to small businesses.BUSINESS
20 SEP 2004FSB demands apology from RevenueThe Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has written to Chancellor Gordon Brown to demand a public apology from the Inland Revenue after it sent…BUSINESS
20 SEP 2004Tax return timeLooking forward to a free weekend on 25 and 26 September?BUSINESS
17 SEP 2004Benefits of merger for small businessesThe Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) looks at the benefits and opportunities for improvement that the merger of Customs and the Inland Revenue…BUSINESS
16 SEP 2004The changing contracting landscapeNow that the summer holidays have been and gone, the demand for IT contractors and small businesses gets stronger by the day, reports Barry Roback…BUSINESS
15 SEP 2004Tories promise 'fair deal' for construction industryShadow Construction Minister, Henry Bellingham, promised an incoming Tory Government would provide a new 'Fair Deal for Construction' to remove the…BUSINESS
7 SEP 2004Another Inland Revenue "leverage exercise"Following recent actions by the Revenue to send out what has been described as 'fishing letters' hinting at vague errors on tax returns, Keith Preece…BUSINESS
6 SEP 2004IR35 win for freelancer in Commissioners' caseThe Special Commissioners recently found in favour of freelancer Mike Ansell in an IR35 status case, listing five main points which swayed the…IR35
3 SEP 2004Are plans to raise NI afoot?Micro businesses could be the next target of the Chancellor with an increase in national insurance bills for people who leave employment to run small…BUSINESS
2 SEP 2004Arctic case: possible outcomesWhilst we still await the decision on the Arctic Section 660 case, Anne Redston, tax expert with Ernst & Young considered the possible outcomes of…IR35
2 SEP 2004Professional bodies call for reform of IR35The professional tax bodies have called on the Government to replace IR35 with a radical overhaul of employment status issues relating to small…BUSINESS
1 SEP 2004Revenue letters cause unnecessary worryThe Inland Revenue has received more criticism for causing anxiety and confusion by sending letters to thousands of self-employed people suggesting…PRESS
1 SEP 2004Late post hard on small businessA small business lobby group is 'deeply dismayed' by reports that Royal Mail failed to hit any of its 15 performance targets during the three months…BUSINESS
31 AUG 2004Disclosure rules on tax schemes still confusingThe new Revenue rules requiring advisors and accountants to inform them of 'tax avoidance schemes' are continuing to cause concern among the…BUSINESS
31 AUG 2004Big companies in clear over late payment detailsA Companies House investigation into the reporting procedures of half the FTSE 100 companies has found that all comply with the legal requirement to…PRESS
31 AUG 2004Fraud worries for small businessMore than a third of owners of small businesses see fraud as the single biggest threat to their company, new research claims.BUSINESS
26 AUG 2004Minister's 'delight' at SME statisticsSmall Business and Enterprise Minister Nigel Griffiths hailed a 200,000 net increase in the business population as an indication of the Government's…BUSINESS
26 AUG 2004Facts, figures and statistics on SMEsThe Small Business Service (SBS), an executive agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, has published its Small and Medium-sized Enterprise…BUSINESS
24 AUG 2004Freelancers opting out of agency regsAccording to a survey of more than 3,500 of its contractors by giant group plc, the contractor specialist, 97 per cent have opted-out of the…BUSINESS
23 AUG 2004Victory for IR35 refund claimAn IT freelancer has successfully reclaimed the tax he paid under IR35 from the Inland Revenue, despite originally 'ticking the box' to say he was…BUSINESS
23 AUG 2004EDS receives £9m compensationIT supplier, EDS, will receive £9million in Government compensation and other payments after the Department of Health prematurely ended its contract…PRESS
21 AUG 2004An 'Arctic' storm in a teacupOver-eagerness by accountants Price Waterhouse Coopers brought confusion to watchers of the land-mark Section 660 case involving Arctic Systems.IR35
20 AUG 2004Bank could face outsourcing legal actionLloyds TSB could face legal action over its offshoring practices as a customer, along with staff union, The Lloyds TSB Union (LTU), has instigated an…BUSINESS
19 AUG 2004Budget's effect on small businessFive months after the 2004 Budget, a survey has shown that one in five small businesses are suffering from its effects, despite claims that it was…BUSINESS
17 AUG 2004Revenue interest charges are unfairThe Inland Revenue is being accused of being unfair to taxpayers because of the difference between the interest it charges and the interest it pays.BUSINESS
16 AUG 2004OFT acts on misleading data protection mailingThe Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has taken action against a Bristol based businessman to stop him from publishing misleading mailings.BUSINESS
13 AUG 2004Aid for entrepreneurs with mental health conditionsBids are being sought from organisations for a share of £1 million of Government funding to help people with mental health conditions become…BUSINESS
12 AUG 2004If it looks too good to be true...Small businesses are being warned to be on their guard about mail shots which look like a free inclusion in a directory, but the small print reveals…BUSINESS
11 AUG 2004DTI grants to help start-ups start upThe DTI's Small Business Service has given nearly £500,000 of grants to 31 organisations to help set up business incubator projects in England.BUSINESS
10 AUG 2004Company residenceIt is clear from many of the questions and comments posted on UKTECH, that many freelancers and small businesses are internationally mobile.VIEWPOINT
10 AUG 2004Bogus holiday driving finesIf you are thinking of driving in Spain this summer, the Office of Fair Trading is warning the public to be wary of a new fake fines scam targeting…BUSINESS
6 AUG 2004Form 42 deadline extended - againThe Inland Revenue has extended the filing deadline for Form 42 relating to director's share transactions for a second time and simplified the Form…BUSINESS
6 AUG 2004Warning about domain name registrationNominet UK, the .uk Internet registry, is warning website domain name holders to be aware of invoices being distributed by an organisation called…BUSINESS
6 AUG 2004The future trends of outsourcingThe landscape of the Indian offshore outsourcing market is set to change, according to predictions by the National Outsourcing Association (NOA), the…BUSINESS
5 AUG 2004In business....alone.The majority of the UK's small businesses have no employees according to the Small Business Service's annual survey 2003.BUSINESS
4 AUG 2004'Opting out could increase rates'Top end IT contractors can achieve higher rates by opting out of the recently implemented Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses…BUSINESS
3 AUG 2004Revenue publishes disclosure guidance and creates Avoidance Intelligence UnitThe Inland Revenue has issued guidance on the tax avoidance scheme disclosure rules taking effect on 1 August 2004, and has set up an Avoidance…BUSINESS
29 JUL 2004EU Directive could disadvantage freelancersReports that the Government will support a European Union Directive giving temporary workers the same pay and benefits as permanent employees from…BUSINESS
28 JUL 2004An entrepreneurial countrysideSmall businesses in the countryside are dynamic, diverse and doing better than ever before, according to the first definitive study of entrepreneurs…BUSINESS
28 JUL 2004Surveys show entrepreneurial interestOne in four people across England are currently running or considering starting their own business, according to a report by the Small Business…BUSINESS
27 JUL 2004Unions win U-turn on Agency DirectiveSmall business groups have accused the Government of U-turning on the Agency Workers Directive to appease the unions and win their backing for the…BUSINESS
26 JUL 2004Row over small business rates reliefThe Government's proposals to 'ease the burden on small business by introducing relief from business rates' have been criticised by one small…BUSINESS
23 JUL 2004Lack of consultation on small business reviewThe Government has come under fire for a lack of consultation with the small business community during its review of owner managed businesses.BUSINESS
20 JUL 2004IR35: Is it a voluntary tax?I recently had a call from a firm of accountants who had reached an impasse with one of their contractor clients.VIEWPOINT
20 JUL 2004Call for flexibility in small business financeThe Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling for greater flexibility in the traditional forms of finance that are available to small firms and…BUSINESS
19 JUL 2004Rates rethink welcomed by small businessSmall businesses have welcomed the news that Nick Raynsford, the Government's Local Government Minister, intends to look again at the proposed Small…BUSINESS
19 JUL 2004Red Tape still giving business the humpRed tape is still tying down UK business according to a new survey by the Institute of Directors (IoD).BUSINESS
16 JUL 2004Government told 'don't knee-jerk' on S660The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) has called on the Government not to produce a 'knee-jerk' reaction in the next Budget if the decision in…IR35
15 JUL 2004London Olympics? Opportunity for SMEsA Minister from Australia who was responsible for encouraging small business promotion in the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 has told London business…BUSINESS
15 JUL 2004SMEs asked to withdraw from grant schemeA report in The Times claims that hundreds of new companies who applied for a 'flagship Government grant scheme' have been asked to withdraw their…PRESS
13 JUL 2004Dividend tax debate in House of CommonsThe controversial dividend tax, also known as IR591, continued to attract attention in the House of Commons during the remaining stages of Finance…IR35
13 JUL 2004"Small firms shouldn't rush to delist"An accountancy firm has advised businesses not to rush into giving up their incorporated status as a result of the new dividend tax, also known as…PRESS
12 JUL 2004Row over Revenue scare letter hots upThe Inland Revenue's attempt to help small businesses with their tax returns by sending out letters suggesting the returns could be wrong, has…PRESS
9 JUL 2004Revenue accused of scare tactics letter (edited: 11:45)Small businesses and advisers are concerned about Revenue tactics which involve sending a vague letter suggesting something is wrong with their tax…BUSINESS
8 JUL 2004Minister hears about problems facing small businessesTreasury Minister, Dawn Primarolo, listened to evidence from leading experts recently, detailing the problems owner-managed businesses have with…BUSINESS
7 JUL 2004The motivation for running a businessSelf determination, independence and freedom of choice are the motivating factors behind the decision to start up a business according to the latest…BUSINESS
7 JUL 2004Cold-calling laws come into effectAs reported in UKTECH, small businesses can now 'opt out' from receiving cold-calls and those people making them could receive fines up to £5,000.PRESS
6 JUL 2004Review into SME ownership changesThe DTI's Small Business Service is conducting a review into the hurdles that small businesses face when their ownership changes, and what more could…BUSINESS
5 JUL 2004Threatened action over outsourcingUnion chiefs from Amicus, the trade union representing white-collar workers from the financial services industry, are considering whether to take…BUSINESS
3 JUL 2004MigrationWatch seeks your viewsUKTECH members have been invited to contribute their experiences to a project being carried out for think-tank MigrationWatch UK on fast track visas…BUSINESS
2 JUL 2004Revenue dampens hopes of IR35 reviewRecent reports have indicated that there will be no changes to the IR35 legislation as part of the Government's review into the taxation of…IR35
1 JUL 2004How are entrepreneurs perceived?Risk takers, achievers, innovators and creators is how eight out of ten Britons think of small business owners and entrepreneurs, according to new…BUSINESS
1 JUL 2004Bogus data protection warningUKTECH has run articles in the past warning readers about bogus data protection notification agencies.BUSINESS
30 JUN 2004Best wishes to Kevin MillerAfter more than four years working with UKTECH and advising freelancers on their tax and status issue, Kevin Miller, is moving on to take a position…VIEWPOINT
30 JUN 2004Cabinet Office terminates ITNET dealThe Cabinet Office has exercised its contractual entitlement to terminate, for breach of contract, the agreement entered into last July 2003 with…BUSINESS
29 JUN 2004Chancellor promotes 'Enterprise Week'The Chancellor, Gordon Brown, has launched a new campaign aimed at encouraging enterprise among young people and has set the goal for the Pre-Budget…BUSINESS
24 JUN 2004Form42 - last minute extensionThe Revenue has granted a two month extension to September 7, 2004, to the filing deadline for many Forms 42 relating to the new requirement to…BUSINESS
23 JUN 2004JSA High Court appeal in IR35 caseJust like buses, you wait for one then two come along at once.IR35
22 JUN 2004Usetech IR35 case to go to appealThe recent high profile Revenue victory in the case of freelancer Bill Hood and his company Usetech is to be appealed.IR35
21 JUN 2004Gifts too 'trivial' to tax?A recent article suggests that an unpublicised change to the way the Revenue taxes gifts to employees could mean that many small businesses might be…PRESS
21 JUN 2004Interim report on Small Firms Loan GuaranteeTeresa Graham of Baker Tilly has produced her interim report and response to submissions on the Small Firms Loan Guarantee scheme.BUSINESS
14 JUN 2004New cold-calling law for businessIt will soon be an offence punishable by up to a £5,000 fine to make an unsolicited call to any business that has placed its telephone numbers on the…BUSINESS
14 JUN 2004First real test of Section 660 beginsThe first real test of Section 660 - the so-called business tax between family and friends - is due to start before the Special Commissioners today…IR35
10 JUN 2004More criticism of plans for accountants to tell allThe Government's proposal to force accountants to tell the tax man about any avoidance schemes used to minimise tax bills has come in for further…PRESS
2 JUN 2004Enquiry into flexible labour marketThe Trade and Industry Committee has announced that it will conduct an enquiry into UK Employment Regulation.BUSINESS
1 JUN 2004Section 660: One business's storyIn a few weeks' time, Section 660 - the so-called business tax on partners and married couples - will undergo its first real test in the Arctic case…IR35
28 MAY 2004Has the UK lost your skills?I recently wrote an article for UKTECH, Killing the goose..., which raised the argument that the Government's policy towards small businesses was in…VIEWPOINT
26 MAY 2004Accenture boss is new head of e-GovernmentThe Government has appointed Ian Watmore, the UK Managing Director of the global management consultants and technology services company Accenture, as…POLITICS
25 MAY 2004Tell MPs what you think about the tax systemMembers of the UKTECH network have been invited to take part in an online survey to investigate owner-managed businesses' taxation.BUSINESS
25 MAY 2004Formation of new firms hit by IR591The Budget tax increase on small company profits has hit the formation of new UK companies by 18 per cent according to figures published by Companies…IR35
24 MAY 2004Killing the goose.....The Government has made much play about the need for a vibrant and flexible entrepreneurial sector of the economy, to equip the country to compete on…VIEWPOINT
24 MAY 2004"New tax a wind-up for small firms"The new dividend tax has raised the question of whether it continues to be advantageous for sole traders to incorporate; and whether incorporated…PRESS
18 MAY 2004Businessman's 8p tax bill costs £770An Inland Revenue investigation of a West Country businessman's annual return left him with a £770 accountant's bill to pay - even though his unpaid…BUSINESS
17 MAY 2004Small business invoices at the doubleOver a third of the UK's 3.7 million small businesses are losing thousands of pounds each year by mistakenly paying the same bill or invoice twice.BUSINESS
12 MAY 2004Manifesto for Small BusinessesMore than 70 representative groups, small businesses and companies associated with small businesses attended the All Party Parliamentary Small…BUSINESS
10 MAY 2004Minister rejects unstable environment for SMEsThe Government dismissed small business concerns about the controversial new dividend tax, IR591, during Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)…IR35
10 MAY 2004Consultation on single start date for regsThe Small Business Service (SBS), an agency of the DTI, has launched a consultation into the feasibility of common commencement dates (i.e.BUSINESS
7 MAY 2004DTI: UK call centre industry is 'vibrant'The UK's call centre industry is set to gain around 200,000 jobs in the next three years, according to a report commissioned by the Department of…BUSINESS
7 MAY 2004Small business owners delay retirementJust under half the owners of Britain's small businesses (49 per cent) expect to be able to afford retirement at 65 according to the latest Office…BUSINESS
6 MAY 2004What the Government predicted for IR35 (edited: May 7)I've recently been asked by a member of the UKTECH network about the origin of the comments that the Government predicted that 66,000 small…IR35
4 MAY 2004Tax avoidance 'robs public services'The Paymaster General, Dawn Primarolo, has claimed that tax avoidance 'robs our public services of billions of pounds' and another Minister compared…BUSINESS
29 APR 2004Domain names: Don't be hustledSmall businesses are being warned by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) about the sales tactics of some internet domain name registration agents.BUSINESS
28 APR 2004IR35: An 'easy target' victimFreelancers and small businesses must sometimes feel they are operating in a parallel universe.BUSINESS
27 APR 2004Small businesses 'confident about future'UK small businesses are increasing their sales, employing more people and are confident about the future according to the largest survey of small…BUSINESS
26 APR 2004Conference encourages refugee business start-upsRefugees who want to set up businesses in the UK will be given help and encouragement at a special conference this week.PRESS
26 APR 2004Agencies may be subject to money laundering regsRecruitment agencies are likely to be subject to the new Money Laundering Regulations according to Barry Roback, Joint Chief Executive of JSA Group…BUSINESS
22 APR 2004Dividend tax: From 'gifthorse' to 'loophole'The political battlelines were drawn on the dividend tax and other new measures affecting freelancers and small businesses during the Finance Bill's…POLITICS
1 APR 2004Revenue wins IR35 Commissioners' caseThe Inland Revenue has won at the Special Commissioners in an IR35 case.BUSINESS
1 APR 2004Hughes quits as Immigration MinisterBeverley Hughes has been forced to quit as Immigration Minister following claims she misled Parliament during the on-going row about fast track visas.POLITICS
1 APR 2004New bankruptcy rules come into forceThe Enterprise Act, which from 1 April 2004 is set to promote entrepreneurship by getting company directors and sole traders back on their feet…BUSINESS
31 MAR 2004Small Business Minister attacks small businessesSmall Business Minister, Nigel Griffiths, has attacked small businesses for 'abusing' the tax system as a justification for the introduction of the…PRESS
31 MAR 2004Employers' insurance 'should be dropped' for freelancersThe Government is considering dropping the requirement that small businesses must have employers' liability compulsory insurance.BUSINESS
31 MAR 2004IT tax break expires at midnightToday (March 31) is the last chance for small firms and the self-employed to use tax breaks to cut the cost of buying computer hardware and software.BUSINESS
30 MAR 2004Date set for Section 660 testThe first real test of the Revenue's approach to Section 660 - the so-called tax on small business owned by family and friends - will be before the…IR35
30 MAR 2004Outsourcing enquiryTrade unions made fresh calls for an investigation into the outsourcing of British jobs abroad after a leading US credit card firm is understood to…PRESS
29 MAR 2004LloydsTSB email scam warningCustomers of Lloyds TSB have been warned to ignore a fraudulent email asking them to confirm personal banking details, in the latest of a number of…BUSINESS
26 MAR 2004So what exactly is this tax on dividends?Simon Sweetman, a member of UKTECH's 'Ask An Expert' forum and Vice Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses' taxation unit outlines his view…IR35
25 MAR 2004When a tax 'avoider' becomes an 'evader'.From time to time, the Oxford English Dictionary introduces new words which have found their way into the English language or whose meanings have…VIEWPOINT
25 MAR 2004Times - concern over Treasury tax reviewThe Times suggests that fears are growing among business groups over the Government’s plans to overhaul the tax system for small businesses and the…PRESS
24 MAR 2004Budget: Index of UKTECH articles (Updated: 29/3/04 12.00)UKTECH is publishing articles, analysis and news from the Budget as it emerges throughout the next few days.BUSINESS
24 MAR 2004Revenue answers 20 questions on new dividend taxThe Inland Revenue has produced a 20 'Question and Answer' briefing on the new dividend tax on small businesses and freelancers.IR35
24 MAR 2004Builders: 'contractors' or 'disguised employees?'Representatives of the construction industry have asked the Government to consider redefining certain construction workers as 'employees' for tax…BUSINESS
23 MAR 2004Treasury meeting on anti-avoidance schemesSenior Treasury officials held a meeting in 11 Downing Street with business representatives, and the accountancy and legal professions involved in…BUSINESS
22 MAR 2004'Worse to come for small businesses' - TimesThe Times reports concerns that there is 'worse to come for small business' following an ominous pledge by the Chancellor to review the tax system…PRESS
18 MAR 2004Budget (12): Revenue update on dividend taxThe Revenue has released a 'question and answer' relating to its Budget proposal to tax dividends for small companies.POLITICS
18 MAR 2004Budget (11): Conservatives plan challengeShadow Paymaster General Mark Prisk MP called on UKTECH readers to provide information about how the new Budget measures will affect them, to help…POLITICS
17 MAR 2004Budget (10): Treasury example of 'IR591'More details are emerging about the Budget announcement to tax dividends at 19 per cent.POLITICS
17 MAR 2004Budget (9): Inland Revenue New Compliance PackageA package of measures to improve compliance in direct taxes was announced in the Budget.POLITICS
17 MAR 2004Budget (8): Section 660 'jointly held shares'The Chancellor has closed one of the perceived ‘loopholes’ to avoid Section 660, the so-called business tax between family and friends by planning.POLITICS
17 MAR 2004Budget (4) – Summary 'Protecting Revenues'The Treasury has published a summary of its ‘Small business tax incentives’ in one of its papers released immediately after the Budget.POLITICS
17 MAR 2004Budget (3) – Anti avoidance schemesThe Chancellor has announced a requirement for ‘tax avoidance schemes’ to be registered with the Revenue.POLITICS
17 MAR 2004Budget Flash (2): VATThe Budget has removed more small firms from the VAT bracket.POLITICS
17 MAR 2004Budget Flash (1): IR591 = 19% dividend taxThe waiting and speculation about the form IR591 would take came to an end at 1pm today when Chancellor Gordon Brown outlined in his Budget statement…IR35
16 MAR 2004B-Day tomorrow: The Budget and small businessTomorrow's Budget (March 17) is widely expected to bring forward new measures which will penalise small, owner-managed companies.POLITICS
15 MAR 2004SME Minister joins small business groupMinister for Small Businesses, Nigel Griffiths, has become the 500th member of the All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group.POLITICS
11 MAR 2004IR591 could trigger shortage of IT and engineering expertsThe threatened tax blow to freelance contractors in the Budget (March 17, 2004) could restrict the mobility of labour and lead to a serious shortage…IR35
3 MAR 2004Will the Budget be bad for small business?The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is predicting that Britain’s entrepreneurs will bear the brunt of the Chancellor’s attempts to balance the…BUSINESS
2 MAR 2004Government review into setting up a businessThe Government is carrying out a review examining the effectiveness of support and information for people considering setting up in business.POLITICS
1 MAR 2004IR35 and S660 victory over RevenueA contractor targeted by the Revenue for IR35 and Section 660, and his advisers, Bauer & Cottrell, are celebrating a double win.IR35
27 FEB 2004Second Parliamentary petition on IR591Liberal Democrat MP Brian Cotter has put forward another Early Day Motion (EDM) on the Government's Budget proposal, IR591, and the potential adverse…IR35
25 FEB 2004IR591: Calculator and SeminarsSpeculation is increasing about what the Chancellor will do in the Budget to ensure small companies 'pay the right amount of tax'.IR35
8 FEB 2004Outsourcing brings two-way benefits: StrawForeign Secretary, Jack Straw, expressed concern for Britons whose jobs are being outsourced but claimed that changing investment patterns may…POLITICS
4 FEB 2004Foreign Sec. promotes business ties with IndiaForeign Secretary, Jack Straw, will visit New Delhi and Bangalore in February as part of a major British Government initiative to work with the…POLITICS
30 JAN 2004Action call: Your chance to push for rethink on IR591Shadow Paymaster General, Mark Prisk MP, is asking all MPs to support his call to ask the Chancellor to consult small business groups about IR591…IR35
26 JAN 2004Advancing Enterprise: Brown - 5m jobs offshoreEquipping Britain for the increasingly competitive challenges of the global economy was the main theme of the 'Advancing Enterprise: Britain in a…POLITICS
10 JAN 2004Two more agencies call in administratorsTwo more recruitment consultancies have filed for administration this week.AGENCIES
9 JAN 2004IR35 information? No data; not possibleThe Treasury was unable to give figures for the additional revenue raised by IR35 or the costs of pursuing claims or how many investigations had been…IR35
8 JAN 2004Primarolo signals Section 660 back tax as Revenue promises February guidanceAnswering written questions from LibDem MP Brian Cotter, Dawn Primarolo said those paying Section 660A tax for earlier years were simply paying tax…IR35
5 JAN 2004'Huge dilemma' on skill shortagesThe leading professional institute for the HR and personnel sector has argued that its predicted increase in employment levels presents a 'huge…BUSINESS

2003

25 DEC 2003Are you working on Christmas Day?Almost one-in-10 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) bosses expect to be working on Christmas Day.BUSINESS
15 DEC 2003Commons row on family business taxThe Small Firms Minister promised a 'robust response' to small business representatives on their concerns about Section 660 - the business tax on…IR35
13 DEC 2003Freelancers 'class action' against Chamberlain ScottFreelancers who have been affected by the collapse of recruitment company Chamberlain Scott International Limited (CSI) have an opportunity to join…BUSINESS
10 DEC 2003Arctic Systems Section 660 test case set for Special CommissionersThe first real test of the Revenue's Section 660 approach, involving Geoff and Diana Jones's IT consulting business Arctic Systems, is due before the…IR35
5 DEC 2003Minister challenges 'myths' on outsourcingTrade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt has launched a study into the global challenges facing the UK call centre industry and has challenged…BUSINESS
4 DEC 2003Growth in self employmentSelf-employment increased by nine per cent in the 12 months to September 2003, according to an article in December's Labour Market Trends with the…BUSINESS
28 NOV 2003UKTECH: freelancers' submission on outsourcingIn September 2003, UKTECH members contributed to a debate on the site which would form a submission to the House of Commons Trade and Industry…POLITICS
27 NOV 2003Stop press: Agency regs announcedThe Department of Trade and Industry has announced its long awaited agency regulations giving limited company contractors or freelancers the option…BUSINESS
24 NOV 2003Home Secretary promotes economic migrationThe Home Secretary has claimed that effectively managed legal migration is vital to Britain's economic and social interests and that it has little or…POLITICS
21 NOV 2003Agency Workers Directive off the agendaThe EU's controversial Agency Workers Directive has all but died a death to the dismay of the trade unions and to the relief of many freelancers who…BUSINESS
18 NOV 2003Gordon Brown's speech to the CBIWith the imminent visit of US President George Bush, cordial business and economic relations between the UK and the US dominated Chancellor Gordon…BUSINESS
18 NOV 2003New Government website for small businessThe Government has launched a new website aimed at providing a single access point to all relevant information and services for business.BUSINESS
14 NOV 2003How the Ask An Expert panel works and who answers your questionsThe editor explains why questions are answered only by the volunteer panel of accountants, lawyers and insurers, and why the date stamps sometimes…ASK THE EXPERTS
14 NOV 2003Ask An ExpertI have had some queries about the 'Ask An Expert' section of the UKTECH site, so thought it might be useful if I explained the purpose and structure…VIEWPOINT
12 NOV 2003The 'giant' feelgood factor for freelancersContractors are optimistic about future growth in the IT software and services market according to contractor specialist 'giant'.BUSINESS
11 NOV 2003Lib Dems ride high with small businessAccording to the latest Office World quarterly small business survey, Britain's army of small business voters are defecting to the Lib Dems in the…BUSINESS
10 NOV 2003New Shadow CabinetThe list of the scaled down Shadow Cabinet chosen by the new Conservative leader, Michael Howard, has been announced.POLITICS
5 NOV 2003'High tech jobs are going abroad! But that's OK!'A former US Secretary of Labour has explained why the exodus of US high-tech jobs is, in his opinion, nothing to lose sleep over.BUSINESS
4 NOV 2003Inland Revenue incentive to SMEs to file onlineThe Inland Revenue is urging small businesses to 'do it online' and get up to £825 tax free if they send in their employer end of year tax returns…BUSINESS
3 NOV 2003Parliamentary Group looks at business rates and SMEsThe All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group is conducting extensive research into business rates and the effect they have on small businesses.BUSINESS
31 OCT 2003New Tory leader and freelancersConservative leader-in-waiting, Michael Howard, already has something of a track record with issues affecting freelancers.POLITICS
29 OCT 2003IR35 letter to Economic Secretary to TreasuryEconomic Secretary to the Treasury, John Healey, has invited freelancers with evidence of the adverse effects of IR35 to inform his Department.IR35
22 OCT 2003Vampires and ghouls at ATSCo's charity ballThe agency world donned their black ties and evening dresses recently to raise nearly £50,000 for the NSPCC at an 'ATSCo Vampire Ball' at the…AGENCIES
21 OCT 2003The Flight to India - GuardianThere are several discussions running on UKTECH relating to the loss of jobs to India - and several people have commented that this seems to be…BUSINESS
21 OCT 2003UKTECH reaches 20,000th memberUKTECH has recently had its 20,000th registered website user join the network.VIEWPOINT
20 OCT 2003HSBC adds to outsourcingHigh street bank HSBC has become the latest organisation to join the outsourcing trend by confirming that it will cut 4,000 jobs at its UK customer…BUSINESS
16 OCT 2003Home Office encourages overseas skilled workersThe Home Office will be expanding its Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) to encourage skilled people in areas such as medicine, engineering and…POLITICS
15 OCT 2003e-skills latest report on markete-skills UK has published the latest issue of the e-skills Bulletin, a quarterly review which presents the latest statistics on the state of the…BUSINESS
13 OCT 2003£6m for businesses in disadvantaged communitiesFollowing a report in UKTECH last week, which predicted the Government would be targeting disadvantaged areas and under-represented groups of people…POLITICS
10 OCT 2003Tory Party Conference: A postcard from BlackpoolIn past years, as Party Conference venues go, Blackpool seemed more suited to the ‘beer and sandwiches’ days of the Labour Party, whereas Bournemouth…POLITICS
10 OCT 2003Tories 'light touch' for small businessThe Conservatives pledged a 'lighter touch' on regulations to ease the burden on small businesses at one of the few events for the small business…POLITICS
9 OCT 2003Prescott enters outsourcing 'furore'Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, entered the 'furore' about outsourcing with a plea to give India a chance to develop its skills and markets and…POLITICS
9 OCT 2003Brown: Fairness and enterpriseChancellor Gordon Brown continued his current theme of 'enterprise for all' with more needing to be done to encourage enterprise and business…POLITICS
9 OCT 2003Fears for missing IT freelancerConcern is growing for an IT freelancer who has been missing since the middle of September.BUSINESS
2 OCT 2003Government moves to give small business more public sector workGovernment Ministers have promised to get rid of the roadblocks which stop small firms from winning a bigger share of public sector contracts by…POLITICS
1 OCT 2003Labour Party Conference: A postcard from BournemouthThe end of the summer signals the start of the Party Conference season when the elder statesmen of the political parties rub shoulders with the grass…POLITICS
1 OCT 2003Outsourcing: more questions than answersWhen she was Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher singled out Lord Young, one-time Secretary of State at the DTI, as the person who came to her with…POLITICS
1 OCT 2003The banking service for freelancersUKTECH has launched a new business bank account service for freelancers.BUSINESS
30 SEP 2003Success on the fringe at LabourFreelancers and small businesses took their message directly to Government Ministers at a packed UKTECH/Labour Small Business Forum fringe meeting at…POLITICS
29 SEP 2003Reminder: Labour meeting for freelancers tonight (Mon, Sept 29)UKTECH and the Labour Small Business Forum are holding a fringe meeting tonight (Monday, September 29, 2003) at the Labour Party Conference in…POLITICS
25 SEP 2003Unsuitable agent banned for 10 yearsAn employment agent who provided extras for programmes including Eastenders and Casualty has been banned from running an agency for the maximum term…AGENCIES
24 SEP 2003IT policies top compliance managers' 'to do' listsThe challenge of meeting the requirements of IT-related legislation is dominating the to-do lists of compliance managers, according to research…BUSINESS
24 SEP 2003Small firms hit worst by Red TapeOne of the country's biggest banks has concluded that the burden of Red Tape falls disproportionately on the smallest businesses - in terms of the…BUSINESS
22 SEP 2003Poll: Nearly half freelancers are out of contractNearly half of the freelancers who participated in a UKTECH poll are 'out of contract' - and 17 per cent of them have been without work for more than…BUSINESS
19 SEP 2003Submit your views on outsourcing to Commons CommitteeFreelancers in the UKTECH network are invited to put forward their views on the impact of outsourcing on the UK's knowledge-based economy as part of…POLITICS
16 SEP 2003Outsourcing can be false economyTwo reports have suggested that outsourcing call centres and other business functions to overseas locations is a false economy.BUSINESS
15 SEP 2003Revenue loses place at front of debt queueNew rules on corporate insolvency, designed to make it ' faster, fairer and focussed on rescue ', come into force today (Mon 15 Sept).BUSINESS
10 SEP 2003Amicus throws weight behind outsourcing rowOne of the country's biggest trade unions, Amicus, has become the latest body to urge the Government to hold an enquiry into the impact that the…BUSINESS
4 SEP 2003Self-employment statisticsOne in ten of the working population was self-employed in spring 2002, with the highest concentrations among the over-35s, according to one of the…BUSINESS
28 AUG 2003Poll: How long have you been in or out of contract?Various surveys have indicated that between a quarter and a half of freelancers could be out of contract.BUSINESS
28 AUG 2003SME e-commerce market to increaseSmall and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are planning to increase their investment in e-commerce in 2004, according to findings by webhosting…BUSINESS
27 AUG 2003How IT freelancers do their own 'knowledge'IT freelancers digest the amount of information equivalent to two university degree courses a year to stay ahead of the game according to research…BUSINESS
26 AUG 2003PM gets e-mail service - but no RSVPsIn a low-key launch, the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, now has his own e-mail service for the country to use for correspondence direct into the heart…POLITICS
22 AUG 2003IR lose place at front of debt queueClaims that Government agencies will become more aggressive in debt collection as a result of their loss of preferred creditor status have been…BUSINESS
20 AUG 2003Commons Committee to look at outsourcingAn influential Commons Select Committee will be examining the development of the IT industry in the UK and the impact of recent trends, including…POLITICS
18 AUG 2003Mandarins see the real world of small businessSenior civil servants will be going to the coal face to better understand the obstacles and opportunities facing small businesses in the UK - and the…BUSINESS
15 AUG 2003US coalition to promote US workersUKTECH recently ran a story about Indian workers in the US who were fighting moves to restrict visa allocations.BUSINESS
12 AUG 2003High Court injunction on data adsMembers of the UKTECH network recently raised the issue of some data protection companies trying to pass themselves off as 'official' bodies and…BUSINESS
11 AUG 2003Where are you now? Poll resultsMore than half the freelancers who responded to a UKTECH survey have left the UK or are waiting to go.BUSINESS
7 AUG 2003Business wants additional skills from ITThe latest research from e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for IT, Telecoms and Contact Centres, shows that 57 per cent of employers believe…BUSINESS
4 AUG 2003CBI backs small businessThe CBI has urged the Chancellor to be more ambitious when finalising his plans to boost the funding available to small firms.BUSINESS
31 JUL 2003Indian association advises UK on visasAn Indian IT trade body will be advising the Government on skill shortages and its policy on fast track visas.BUSINESS
30 JUL 2003Conclusions and recommendations from freelancer reportThe report of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Small Businesses on freelancers contains the following conclusions and recommendations.POLITICS
30 JUL 2003Parliamentarians report on freelancer consultationMembers of the UKTECH network of freelancers played a major part in the recent online consultation on freelancers by the All Party Parliamentary…POLITICS
29 JUL 2003Inland Revenue Matters: IT failures (2)The role of IT giant EDS features in the highly critical Treasury Select Committee report, 'Inland Revenue Matters', on the conduct of the Inland…POLITICS
28 JUL 2003Inland Revenue Matters: Offshore tax avoidance (1)The Treasury Select Committee has issued a damning report 'Inland Revenue Matters' on the conduct of the Inland Revenue and the Paymaster General…POLITICS
24 JUL 2003Paymaster General's view on married couple's business taxA letter from Paymaster General, Dawn Primarolo has outlined why she thinks a couple who own shares in their own company - and therefore risk being…POLITICS
22 JUL 2003Taxing changes - and too many taxesThe Inland Revenue has changed the rates of interest on tax and national insurance contributions paid late and overpaid.POLITICS
21 JUL 2003Small businesses experience growing painsGrowing a small business should carry a health warning for ambitious entrepreneurs according to the latest Office World Quarterly Small Business…BUSINESS
18 JUL 2003Indian workers fight back on US visa movesEarlier this week, UKTECH reported on the political movement in America to remove or reduce H1-Bs - the US equivalent of fast track visas.BUSINESS
16 JUL 2003Calls for the truth on overseas workersA politician recently stood before the House and explained that national workers were losing out to imported fast track visa workers because the…BUSINESS
15 JUL 2003Composite company claimsgiant, a firm which develops managed solutions for freelancers, has advised freelancers that they are better off operating through a composite…IR35
11 JUL 2003Uncertainty and Taxing Times - AustraliaA few recent Letters from Freelancers comment on the situation in Australia.CONFERENCE PAPERS
10 JUL 2003Skilling up the natione-skills UK, the employer-led IT skills advisory group welcomed the publication of the Government’s Skills Strategy White Paper, and claimed that the…BUSINESS
8 JUL 2003Parliament debates small businessSmall businesses were the subject of several hours of Parliamentary debate recently when Conservative DTI spokesman, Tim Yeo, MP for South Suffolk…POLITICS
7 JUL 2003Chancellor wants local enterpriseChancellor Gordon Brown laid out a series of proposals to the Local Government Association Conference aimed at incentivising local authorities to…POLITICS
4 JUL 2003e-skills reviews IT markete-skills UK has published the latest issue of its influential e-skills Bulletin, a Quarterly Review of the ICT Labour Market.BUSINESS
3 JUL 2003Chancellor announces review of Revenue and CustomsA major review of the organisations dealing with tax policy and administration - the Revenue and Customs - was announced by Chancellor Gordon Brown.POLITICS
3 JUL 2003Don't miss out on IT tax reliefSmall businesses are missing out on an opportunity to claim tax relief on their IT purchases, according to a recent survey.BUSINESS
1 JUL 2003Tories focus on freelancersThe Conservative Party is addressing how it can give freelancers 'security and choice' when it comes to formulating its own policy on freelancers.POLITICS
30 JUN 2003From Tyneside to TokyoFreelancers from across the North East are being offered the chance to sell their services in Japan as 'Trade Missions North East' organises its…BUSINESS
30 JUN 2003Where are you now?In March 2000, UKTECH ran a poll asking freelancers 'Where are you now?' Three years on, we are repeating the exercise.BUSINESS
27 JUN 2003Rates up for Government freelancersThe public sector is now paying UK IT freelancers more than the media companies, according to agents' body, the Association of Technology Staffing…BUSINESS
26 JUN 2003Small steps towards small business contractsThe Government has launched two pilot schemes to try to give easier access to Government contracts for small businesses.POLITICS
25 JUN 2003E-dividends - IR consultationThe Inland Revenue has launched a consultation on new proposals to allow dividend vouchers and tax deduction certificates to be issued in electronic…POLITICS
24 JUN 2003Fast track to a working holidayThe Home Office is removing employment restrictions on the 'Working Holidaymaker Scheme' to encourage young people from Commonwealth countries to…POLITICS
23 JUN 2003New Government advisers on small businessThe Government has appointed nine new members of the Small Business Council (SBC), the organisation which advises the Government on issues affecting…POLITICS
23 JUN 2003Oracle partners with UK schoolsSoftware giant, Oracle, has teamed up with the Department for Education and Skills and the Specialist Schools Trust to enhance ICT education in…POLITICS
17 JUN 2003Dawn warns nothing new in family business taxThe Section 660 legislation, the business tax between family and friends, has been around for nearly 70 years, according to Paymaster General, Dawn…IR35
16 JUN 2003EU must improve to match US - GriffithsSmall Business Minister Nigel Griffiths called on European countries to step up progress to match US levels of entrepreneurship.POLITICS
16 JUN 2003How long is a piece of Red Tape? Six hoursSmall businesses are being tightly bound in Red Tape for six hours a week according to research by the Institute of Directors.BUSINESS
13 JUN 2003UK IT industry reaching 'the nadir'Ovum Holway, a leading software and IT services analyst is predicting tough times ahead with the IT market shrinking and the trend being to continue…BUSINESS
12 JUN 2003APPSBG: Public HearingFreelancing took a step towards gaining the recognition and understanding it deserves as a vital part of the UK economy when it was the subject of a…POLITICS
6 JUN 2003BCS ties with Pakistani IT sectorThe British Computer Society (BCS) has formed a partnership with its Pakistani equivalent to share information and knowledge to assist ICT…BUSINESS
4 JUN 2003EU kicks Temp directive into the long grassFollowing intensive lobbying by the Confederation of British Industry - CBI, the EU has failed to reach agreement on the Temporary Agency Workers…POLITICS
2 JUN 2003Britain's top civil servant comes from RevenueAn Inland Revenue employee has been chosen as Britain's 'Outstanding Public Servant of the Year' after saving more than £2 million of public money.POLITICS
30 MAY 2003Minister unveils plan for small business successThe Annual Business Plan for the Small Business Service (SBS) launched by Small Business Minister positions the Government-sponsored body as an…POLITICS
29 MAY 2003Ovum predicts huge Government IT spendAnalysts, Ovum Holway has predicted that the UK Government's IT market will grow 30 times faster than any growth in the private sector to 2005 and…BUSINESS
27 MAY 2003TUC wants protection for agency workersThe TUC has published research which it claims "blows a hole" in the Government's case against new European rights for agency workers.POLITICS
23 MAY 2003Politicians have spotlight on freelancersThe Chairman of All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group has invited freelancers to share their experiences directly with the 440 MPs and Lords…POLITICS
22 MAY 2003Blair questioned on IT work permitsWork permits and IT vacancies shared the spotlight with other topical issues during this week's (May 21) Prime Minister's Question Time.POLITICS
22 MAY 2003Broadband reaches two millionGovernment Ministers have pledged their commitment to rural broadband rollout as the UK reaches two million connections.BUSINESS
21 MAY 2003Brown calls for flexibility in EuropeChancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, told business leaders it was the Government's duty to work with them to remove all the barriers to…POLITICS
21 MAY 2003Business advisers warn against reality TVReality TV programmes should be avoided at all costs when it comes to looking for business advice, according to the Institute of Business Advisers…BUSINESS
20 MAY 2003Visa extradition case droppedBow Street Magistrates Court discharged the extradition proceedings against Senthil Kumar, CEO of the Dutch subsidiary of the Indian software giant…BUSINESS
19 MAY 2003Consultation starts for freelancersThe All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group (APPSBG) has started its consultation into freelancing - and freelancers are invited to make their…POLITICS
19 MAY 2003Disability Act extends to SMEsTwo Government Ministers have urged small businesses to prepare for when the Disability Discrimination Act is extended to include the smallest…BUSINESS
15 MAY 2003Jobserve's blowing bubblesOne West Ham fan had particular reason to be disappointed with his team's relegation, as Jobserve's founder and Hammers supporter, Robbie Cowling…BUSINESS
14 MAY 2003It's all a matter of size in EuropeThe European Commission has adopted a new definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).BUSINESS
12 MAY 2003SMEs - Government told to put money where mouth isSmall and medium sized firms often find themselves overlooked when public authorities award contracts according to one of the key findings from a…POLITICS
9 MAY 2003Government promotes FTVs to small businessWork Permits UK, the government department responsible for fast track visas, has formed a unit to help small businesses recruit overseas workers.BUSINESS
8 MAY 2003Married couple's business tax makes the Manchester Evening NewsSheryl Moore reports that more than a million small businesses could face demands of up to 42,000 pounds under a law critics say could net the…IR35
7 MAY 2003BT row over Indian workersBT has issued a statement to deny media reports about low salary levels of UK-based employees of Mahindra BT, the company's joint venture with…BUSINESS
7 MAY 2003SMEs losing confidenceBritain’s three million small and medium sized businesses are losing confidence in the economy, according to research into 'entrepreneurial Britain' .BUSINESS
7 MAY 2003Accountants warn of Revenue 'obscure' taxesThe Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has warned that the Inland Revenue is actively seeking 'obscure, and at times…IR35
5 MAY 2003CIOT warns 'tread with care'The highly-respected Chartered Institute of Taxation has warned small family businesses that Section 660 - the so-called married couple's business…IR35
30 APR 2003Howard accuses Brown of chaos as 1.7m family firms face Section 660 doubtThe Shadow Chancellor writes to the Chancellor asking why clarified guidance was needed if, as the Paymaster General says, there has been no change…IR35
29 APR 2003Genesis Initiative - the future for SMEsSmall businesses have a major part to play in bringing positive economic reform in the UK, in Europe and throughout the world.POLITICS
29 APR 2003Transcript of Section 660: BBC Radio4 Today Prog.Section 660 - the 'married couple's business tax' was featured on BBC Radio Five and the business section of Radio Four's flagship morning news…IR35
28 APR 2003Section 660 newsletter warns of a clear and present danger to small firmsUKTECH tells its network that expert opinion is worse than envisaged, offers a free questionnaire and briefing paper, and expects a test case to be…IR35
28 APR 2003SMEs - the force for economic reformThe small business community, their representative bodies, entrepreneurs and politicians attended the first national conference of the Genesis…POLITICS
24 APR 2003Freelancers' applications - fact or fiction?IT freelancers have topped a poll where they would rather have had a lower rating - that of being somewhat 'economical with the actuality' when it…BUSINESS
23 APR 2003IR35 and international issuesThe Inland Revenue has issued guidance on the international implications of IR35.IR35
23 APR 2003A NICs 'loophole' closesThe Treasury is clamping down on what it perceived was an avoidance of National Insurance Contributions by the shipping industry who transferred…BUSINESS
18 APR 2003Section 660 explained, from 1920s settlements law to a 42,000 tax billA guide to the settlements legislation, the Revenue's April 2003 tax bulletin and the case of Geoff and Diana Jones of Arctic Consultants.IR35
17 APR 2003Inland Revenue's stance on Section 660The Inland Revenue has outlined its approach to Section 660 - the so-called married couple's business tax in its Tax Bulletin (April 2003 - Issue 64).IR35
15 APR 2003IoD - slump in business optimismThe Institute of Directors (IoD) was the bearer of bad tidings with the publication of its latest Business Opinion Survey which showed that business…BUSINESS
14 APR 2003SMEs make profit from InternetNearly three quarters of ecommerce sites run by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are profitable, according to latest research figures.BUSINESS
9 APR 2003Budget 2003 (6): Reactions - mixed responsesAll sectors of industry and the political spectrum lined up with mixed reactions to the Chancellor's Budget announcements, though their responses…POLITICS
9 APR 2003Budget 2003 (4): Overseas workers encouragedThe Budget contained two announcements which could result in more 'fast track visa' workers as the Government again demonstrated its commitment to…POLITICS
9 APR 2003Budget 2003 (2): Enterprise and innovationThe Chancellor maintained the theme he has been developing in speeches in the past few months of promoting enterprise and innovation in all parts of…POLITICS
9 APR 2003Budget 2003 (1): Key measuresNew measures to build a Britain of 'economic strength and social justice' were set out in the Budget, delivered by the Chancellor, Gordon Brown.POLITICS
7 APR 2003Budget submission from SBPIThe Small Business Policy Institute (SBPI) has urged the Chancellor to act positively for the freelance and SME communities in the coming Budget.POLITICS
7 APR 2003Wanted: Media case study for BudgetI have had a phone call from a journalist I know from a national newspaper with a request for help...BULLETIN
3 APR 2003Small recruitment companies worried about prospectsRecruitment agencies expressed major concerns about the short-term prospects for the industry at the recent annual 'Small Business Conference' of the…AGENCIES
3 APR 2003Government moves to open sourceThe Office of Government Commerce (OGC) has established a new online purchasing system using Open Sourced software, which, it claims, will allow…BUSINESS
2 APR 2003Chancellor's message to Chambers of CommerceChancellor Gordon Brown sang the praises of the small business community when he addressed the annual British Chambers of Commerce's conference - a…POLITICS
28 MAR 2003Stutchbury JudgementAttached is the full judgement in the Stutchbury case Case No.IR35
24 MAR 2003FTVs: Unnecessary barriers are protectionistUnnecessary barriers on transferring individuals within a company would be moving the UK in a protectionist direction, according to the Government's…POLITICS
20 MAR 2003Freelancers miss out on company trainingRecruitment consultants, Elan, claims that in the current "employers market", contract workers are being given a raw deal when it comes to training.BUSINESS
17 MAR 2003Union fights outsourcing to IndiaThe country's biggest communications trades union has become one of the first organisations to campaign actively against outsourcing British jobs to…BUSINESS
14 MAR 2003The ups and downs of survival statsThe Institute of Chartered Accountants predicted 'even more business failures' in the SME sector, at the same time as the DTI released figures from a…POLITICS
12 MAR 2003Big Brother Awards on privacyThe human rights watchdog Privacy International has announced the shortlist for the fifth annual "Big Brother awards" which name and shame the…POLITICS
28 FEB 2003Reports of tie-up with Hays and BTReports are circulating that BT has signed a single-agency agreement with Hays IT to provide all its IT contractor resources.AGENCIES
26 FEB 2003Agency breaches own guidelinesOne of Europe's largest recruitment companies had its wrist slapped by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for breaching its own in-house…AGENCIES
5 FEB 2003Six out of 10 'outside IR35'Six out of 10 freelancers consider themselves to be outside the so-called stealth tax IR35 – while two out of ten think they are caught by it and a…IR35
21 JAN 2003Revenue amends FAQs on clientThe Inland Revenue has clarified that clients will not be directly affected by IR35 after one large accountancy firm was claiming they could be…IR35
16 JAN 2003Primarolo not revisiting IR35The Treasury has dismissed reports that it is looking again at IR35 and has said that the Professional Contractors Group (PCG) has recognised that it…POLITICS
7 JAN 2003Making the Internet safer for kidsThe Government has published the world's first 'models of good practice' aimed at making Britain 'the safest country for children on the Internet'.POLITICS

2002

27 DEC 2002Heroes and Villains of the InternetThe Home Office features in both the Internet Heroes and Villains Awards shortlists, though won't be looking to repeat its previous 'success' of…POLITICS
12 DEC 2002UK welcomes Central European workersThe UK has chosen to open its doors to workers from eight Central European countries on the first day they join the European Union rather than…POLITICS
9 DEC 2002EU measure singles out UK for damageA senior Conservative MP has accused Europe of singling out Britain for 'unique damage' regarding its plans to issue worker protection measures to…POLITICS
5 DEC 2002Bridge that funding gapSmall businesses in London have become the first in the country to have access to small amounts of risk capital through the 'Early Growth Funds'.BUSINESS
2 DEC 2002CBI: The luckiest man since Ringo?Away from the main showcase arena in a small room with seating for about 50 people, a landmark event occurred at the CBI's recent conference.BUSINESS
27 NOV 2002PBR: Extending schemes for overseas workersThe Home Office has announced new measures to ensure that UK businesses can bring in the skills and people they need to compete in the global economy…BUSINESS
15 NOV 2002Freelancers' champion in Tory Treasury teamThe political champion of the freelancers' cause, Mark Prisk MP, has been appointed Shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury.POLITICS
13 NOV 2002Wipro leads jobs exodusWipro, India's huge technology business, is leading the migration to Asia of jobs in developing software, building systems and running back-office…BUSINESS
13 NOV 2002Iceni GroupUmbrella Company offering EBT scheme Claims As an IT contractor, IFL are a must-have resource for maximising your net remuneration and totally…BUSINESS
13 NOV 2002Norla Consulting LtdUmbrella company offering EBT scheme Claims.BUSINESS
11 NOV 2002UKTECH banned for helping contractorsThe UKTECH team has been banned from the Professional Contractors Group for offering contractors help with the CFP/Dignatio collapse.BUSINESS
7 NOV 2002250 girls in sleepover for ITThe Government is launching a drive to encourage young girls to enter IT, which will culminate in 250 teenagers attending a slumber party in the…POLITICS
5 NOV 2002Thumbs down on Government websitesGovernment websites have been given the thumbs down with a 'could do better' message from an independent survey into 20 of the flagship Government…POLITICS
18 OCT 2002Lime-IT: The judgmentThe complete 10-page judgment of the Lime-IT case is available to UKTECH readers below for debate and reference.CONFERENCE PAPERS
18 OCT 2002Expert analysis: What does the Lime-IT judgment mean?An independent tax expert has provided exclusive analysis of the Lime-IT judgment.IR35
24 JUL 2002Corridor pitch to Alan Johnson wins DTI rethink on agency rulesAndy White describes how a chance approach to the DTI minister at the Labour Party Conference led to meetings with officials and a further…BULLETIN
23 JUL 2002Lords committee thanks PCG for evidence to micro processing enquiryThe House of Lords Science and Technology Committee acknowledged the group's submission, which stressed the need for a mobile and flexible workforce…PCG
17 JUL 2002PCG rebuts Primarolo claim that it has been silent for 12 monthsIn a letter to the Paymaster General, the group lists meetings with the Revenue, the DTI and ministers, a Labour conference fringe and a House of…PCG
27 JUN 2002PCG improves free Qdos-run tax helpline for membersMembers can call 01455 852035 on working days between 0900 and 1700 for tax advice, with simple queries answered immediately and complex ones usually…PCG
7 JUN 2002PCG renews tax investigation cover and opens questions and answers siteThe group policy runs from 1 May 2002 to 30 April 2003, and a new question and answer site invites members and prospective members to ask what the…PCG
15 MAY 2002Revenue amends status manuals after PCG proposals on IR35 testsChanges taking effect immediately make contract length a neutral factor, confirm that client-provided equipment does not itself catch a contractor…PCG
18 APR 2002Budget adds 1 per cent to National Insurance for employees and employersPCG's report on the Budget says the National Insurance rise, linked to a change in how NI applies to higher salaries, amounts to a 2 per cent…PCG
15 APR 2002Oracle DBAs dropped from fast track visa shortage listThe PCG persuaded the Government's Skills Sector Panel that there is no shortage of Oracle database administrators, following earlier removals of…PCG
28 MAR 2002PCG backs two members taking IR35 status cases to the CommissionersLisa Fernley and Mark Sheerin will contest the Inland Revenue's determination of their IR35 status and act as case studies, as the group also…PCG
28 MAR 2002PCG urges Brown to end IR35 uncertainty in Budget letter to ChancellorChairman Jane Akshar told the Chancellor that members are closing their businesses because unclear legislation has made operating a small…PCG
28 FEB 2002PCG hands Work Permits UK dossier on fast track visa abuseThe Professional Contractors Group passed members' reports of work permit abuse to Work Permits UK and is pressing for C/C++ and Oracle DBAs to be…PCG
21 FEB 2002Brussels plan backs immigration to fill 1.6 million ICT skills gapThe European Commission's Action Plan for Skills and Mobility recommends recruiting skilled labour from outside the EU to close a projected 1.6…POLITICS
4 FEB 2002Second contractor loses IR35 appeal before Special CommissionerSpecial Commissioner Nuala Brice rejected the FS Consulting appeal, and the PCG has asked tax expert Anne Redston to review whether the decision can…PCG
22 JAN 2002PCG halts judicial review appeal as £328,875 legal fund backs case lawChairman Jane Akshar said members had paid £328,875 and pledged a further £94,303 in nearly two weeks, enough to fund test cases but not to take the…PCG
11 JAN 2002Andy White responds to PCG's call for fundsPCG members are reaching for their chequebooks to send a clear message to the Government that the fight against IR35 is far from over.BULLETIN

2001

29 DEC 2001E-Envoy issues eight e-policy principles to guard e-commerce targetsAndrew Pinder set out eight principles to stop other Whitehall departments introducing policies that conflict with the Government's e-commerce…POLITICS
18 DEC 2001PCG raises fast track visa abuse claims with Work Permits (UK)With an estimated 30 per cent of contractors between contracts, the PCG is pressing Work Permits (UK) over evidence that firms use the simplified…PCG
6 DEC 2001Judges uneasy over IR35 as appeal ends with judgement reservedAnne Redston reports from the final day of the appeal, where Lord Justice Walker called IR35 an elaborate scheme and judgement was reserved until…IR35
4 DEC 2001PCG Appeal Day 1: Back to square one?Fundamental to the PCG's case is the view that the small companies affected are in competition with other companies in the marketplace.IR35
27 NOV 2001PCG to argue IR35 is illegal under European law at Court of AppealThe Professional Contractors Group will claim from 4 to 6 December that IR35 amounts to illegal state aid and a barrier to free movement, and should…PCG
1 NOV 2001Statement regarding CFT Group insurance servicesPress Release from Lloyd's: Following investigations by the City of London Police and Lloyd's of London, Lloyd's is issuing a warning to all persons…BULLETIN
1 NOV 2001Think small, PCG tells big business ahead of CBI conferenceExhibiting at the CBI conference in Birmingham for the first time, the PCG urged large corporations to use its 14,000 small knowledge-based…PCG
29 OCT 2001Second Hewlett Packard contractor found not employed at Cardiff tribunalA week after the O'Murphy v Hewlett Packard appeal ruling, a Cardiff Employment Tribunal found another long-term contractor was not employed under a…PCG
27 SEP 2001Technical Aid International to pay PCG membership for its contractorsThe recruitment agency will meet the £100 PCG membership fee for every contractor it places, and for existing contractors whose renewals fall before…PCG
11 SEP 2001Tax lawyer Stephen Smith on employment status and the PCG appealTheodore Goddard tax lawyer Stephen Smith talks to Lucy Hickman about the PCG appeal against the High Court judgment and the Revenue's efforts to…PRESS
11 SEP 2001Hewitt defends fast track visas and IR35 in BBC question sessionIn a BBC discussion session, Patricia Hewitt told two contractors that work permit applications are dealt with quickly and that genuine small…PRESS
9 JUL 2001City accountants warn engineers still cannot tell if IR35 appliesCity accountancy firms say engineers still struggle to tell whether IR35 applies, with Ernst & Young and PriceWaterhouseCoopers partners criticising…PRESS
5 JUN 2001Revenue advice centres fail Sunday Times test of 80 tax callsSunday Times reporters put eight set questions to tax advisory centres in 80 calls, and found between one and eight in every ten offices gave the…PRESS
4 MAY 2001Update on UKTECH seminar tourUKTECH began its series of UK seminars 'Opportunities from change in the contracting market' in Southampton this week, before rolling them out in six…BULLETIN
20 APR 2001'Opportunities From Change In The Contracting Market - SeminarsFollowing the tremendous success of UKTECH's London seminar 'Opportunities From Change In The Contracting Market', the team are delighted to announce…BULLETIN
5 APR 2001Seminar plans under review as organisers weigh repeat or transcriptA note to readers saying the next step, either a repeat seminar elsewhere in the country or a transcript, will be decided once the current seminars…BULLETIN
4 APR 2001BBC Q&A traces IR35 from press release number 35 to the courtsA guide to how the rules took their name from Inland Revenue press release 35, what they mean for contractors, and the 350m pounds a year the Revenue…PCG
4 APR 2001IR35 survives legal challenge as Portillo pledges repealThe 11,000-strong Professional Contractors Group failed to strike down IR35, but shadow chancellor Michael Portillo said the Conservatives would…PCG
3 APR 2001Photographs from the IR35 judicial review, April 2001A collection of photographs taken by our photographer at the High Court judicial review of the IR35 tax rules.PCG
3 APR 2001Government wins IR35 high court battle as judge urges reformMr Justice Burton rejected the Professional Contractors' Group's human rights and free trade arguments, but called the rules confusing and inflexible…PCG
3 APR 2001High Court keeps IR35 but orders Revenue to ease company rulesThe High Court ruled that IR35 is here to stay but ordered the Inland Revenue to relax its guidelines on who may form a personal service company, in…PCG
3 APR 2001Brown criticised over IR35 as court condemns Revenue's 'Fridays to Mondays' labelThe High Court called the introduction of IR35 insensitive and inadequately researched and condemned the Revenue's 'Fridays to Mondays' label, as the…PCG
3 APR 2001Judge criticises Revenue's inflexible approach but upholds IR35Mr Justice Burton rejected claims that IR35 was incompatible with European and human rights law, but called the Revenue's approach inflexible and…PCG
3 APR 2001High Court dismisses IR35 challenge on all three legal groundsThe Financial Times reports the High Court rejecting the PCG's claims that IR35 amounted to state aid, restricted free movement and breached the…PCG
2 APR 2001High Court criticises Revenue's IR35 tests and issues new guidanceThe PCG's press release on Mr Justice Burton's ruling says the High Court criticised the Revenue's tests and inflexible stance, and laid down…IR35
21 MAR 2001Revenue counsel leaves early as judge signals judgment next weekPlender argued freedom of movement points until 4pm before leaving to catch a plane, with written submissions due by Friday and the judge hoping to…PCG
20 MAR 2001Court of Appeal rules on employment statusA Court of Appeal ruled that a temporary receptionist who had worked for the same company for two and a half years could not be deemed to be an…IR35
19 MAR 2001Judge criticises Revenue guidance to inspectors on day four of reviewRichard Plender QC continued the Inland Revenue's case, but the judge questioned why inspectors are told to assess IR35 status from contracts alone…PCG
15 MAR 2001JR4: Judge recognises nuclear optionAs the Professional Contractors Group’s judicial review entered its third day, the judge indicated that the Revenue couldn’t have it both ways…IR35
13 MAR 2001Judge probes both sides as PCG judicial review of IR35 opensOn the first morning of the PCG's judicial review, Gerald Barling for the group and Richard Plender for the Inland Revenue answered the judge's…IR35
5 FEB 2001Treasury told 'could do better' as PCG writes to BlairFollowing further criticism of the Treasury's controversial IR35 stealth tax - this time by the influential Treasury Select Committee - the…POLITICS
1 FEB 2001DTI announces Agency RegulationsMore than 500,000 temporary workers, ranging from office staff to models and actors, will 'enjoy greater protection from exploitation and be able to…AGENCIES
28 JAN 2001Primarolo tells Commons there is no evidence contractors are leavingAnswering Treasury questions in the Commons, the Paymaster General said there was no evidence that significant numbers of IT consultants were leaving…POLITICS
22 JAN 2001PCG launches B2B PortalThe Professional Contractors Group has launched its free business-to-business contract matching service to put its members in touch with contracting…BUSINESS

2000

24 DEC 2000£1,000 bounty on head of contractorsThe Professional Contractors Group accused the Government of helping large companies introduce a 'corporate blood money scheme' which aims at…IR35
18 DEC 2000Sir John Harvey-Jones agrees to become patron of the PCGSir John Harvey-Jones, former chairman of ICI, has become a patron of the Professional Contractors Group and backed its campaign against IR35 at the…BULLETIN
6 DEC 2000Letwin resists repeal of IR35 at Conservative Technology ForumAbout 50 contractors met Conservative Treasury spokesman Oliver Letwin, who said he would revise rather than remove IR35 and could not define the…IR35
3 DEC 2000Joined-up IT in ParliamentThe Information Committee in the House of Commons has published a report recommending that MPs are provided with new IT hardware and software in an…POLITICS
2 DEC 2000£500m Government contract for EDSThe Department of Employment and Education has agreed to extend the contract with the Employment Service's IT partner, EDS in a deal worth over £500…POLITICS
29 NOV 2000Help beat IR35As part of the on-going collection of evidence after our victory in the JR permission hearing, PCG has retained Frontier Economics to conduct an…BULLETIN
26 NOV 2000Government consults on IT patentsThe Government has launched a consultation on the need for patents to protect computer programmes and internet trading methods.BUSINESS
21 NOV 2000Primarolo defends IR35 in the Times as PCG dismisses her comparisonReplying in the Times to an article on IR35, the Paymaster General said those affected typically paid 21 per cent of earnings in tax and NI against…IR35
17 NOV 2000Paymaster General side-steps question on the cost of IR35Dawn Primarolo answered a written question from Graham Brady MP by saying advice had been given by existing staff, without addressing the judicial…IR35
14 NOV 2000IT specialists recruited from Eastern EuropeRegenesis Business Group has signed an agreement with EjobGlobal.com to provide UK companies with highly skilled English-speaking IT professionals…BULLETIN
13 NOV 2000Home Office announces £25million for cybercopsThe Home Secretary has announced that more high tech crime investigators are to be recruited as part of a £25 million strategy to tackle crime on the…IT
12 NOV 2000Times says IR35 reaches well beyond IT contractorsA Times article says IR35 was presented as a tax on IT contractors without explaining how other personal service companies are caught, with the…IR35
10 NOV 2000PCG arranges private medical deal for membersThe Professional Contractors Group has launched its first personal affinity discount deal for its 11,000 members.BULLETIN
6 NOV 2000ATSCo asks for contractors' training costs to be made tax deductibleThe staffing body's pre-Budget submission says keeping skills current can cost an independent contractor over £5,000 a year, while the PCG calls the…IR35
2 NOV 2000Contractor's sums put a week's training at £3,500, an employee's at nilA reader frustrated by the 5% expenses rule compares his training costs with a permanent colleague's, setting course fees, NIC, tax, hotels and lost…IR35
31 OCT 2000Contractors post vote of no confidence in Primarolo on Downing Street siteA motion posted on the Speakers Corner section of the Number 10 website drew rapid support, listing the bodies whose IR35 criticism the Paymaster…IR35
31 OCT 2000Gareth Williams calls on Blair to repeal IR35 in letter to The TimesThe PCG chairman's open letter says Mr Justice Gibbs found the group has a well arguable case, and that continued uncertainty prolongs the damage…IR35
24 OCT 2000New distance selling rules from 31 October bring seven day cancellation rightsTrading Standards says consumers still do not trust the internet, and from 31 October e-commerce sites must give minimum information and seven day…BUSINESS
17 OCT 2000Revenue consults on penalties for late Class 2 NIC registrationAfter Lord Grabiner's report on the hidden economy, the Inland Revenue wants the newly self-employed to register early for Class 2 NICs and plans a…BUSINESS
10 OCT 2000What happened in court - preliminary notesAll, Here are some preliminary notes on what happened in Court today.IR35
10 OCT 2000High Court grants PCG permission to seek review of IR35The High Court gave the Professional Contractors Group permission to have IR35 judicially reviewed, throwing out the Government's arguments opposing…IR35
6 OCT 2000PCG Judicial Review BriefingWith the High Court hearing to decide the merits of a Judicial Review, taking place on Monday 9th, the PCG have released a background briefing.IR35
4 OCT 2000Tories to repeal IR35Junior shadow trade spokesman Alan Duncan pledged at the Conservative Party Conference that they would repeal IR35 according to the BBC conference…POLITICS
2 OCT 2000Government unveils visa detailsThe Government has announced the detailed plans for the implementation of the fast-track visa system to bring non-EU workers into the country with…POLITICS
18 SEP 2000ATSCo offers to make visa scheme 'more effective'The Association of Technology Staffing Companies (ATSCo) has suggested that its members, recruitment agencies, act as 'sponsors' for the…AGENCIES
1 SEP 2000Portillo pledges IR35 reform in Keeping Britain Competitive packageShadow Chancellor Michael Portillo has launched the Conservatives' small business tax paper, which commits the party to review the impact of IR35 and…IR35
24 AUG 2000Err, no tax anyone? Try Dublin. Lower tax? Try DenmarkThe following is an extract from an article that appeared in Ireland's The Sunday Business Post on 19th August.BULLETIN
9 AUG 2000A nation of small businessesGovernment statistics have revealed that there were an estimated 3.7 million active businesses in the UK at the start of 1999, including 2.3 million…BULLETIN
8 AUG 2000E-envoy wants extrapreneurs to come homeReports are emerging that Alex Allen, the Government's e-envoy, is developing a plan to tempt 100,000 IT professionals - now known as 'extrapreneurs'…IR35
8 AUG 2000OFT narrows competition review to law and accountancy, ruling IR35 outGrahame Horgan has written to those who raised IR35 to say the review's principal focus will be law and accountancy, and that their professional…IR35
3 AUG 2000Lords e-commerce report tells Government to keep IR35 under reviewA Select Committee report on EU e-commerce policy says IR35 strikes at the self-employed IT specialist and lowers the UK's attractiveness, and…IR35
29 JUL 2000Royal Assent for IR 35 and RIPThe Finance bill and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers act were given Royal assent yesterday The House of Lords debated the Finance bill, but as…VIEWPOINT
28 JUL 2000Goodbye Britain NightContractors are planning to light up the sky with a message to the Government about the companies who are leaving the UK or being closed down because…IR35
27 JUL 2000Revenue admits IR35 double tax hit is not fair and reasonableThe Revenue has told the Institute of Chartered Accountants' Tax Faculty that taxing one salary payment twice is simply how the legislation…IR35
26 JUL 2000New immigration scheme to attract innovatorsThe Government has announced a new scheme to attract entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas to the UK.POLITICS
26 JUL 2000Government's 'eStatMap' website launchedGovernment e-envoy Alex Allan has launched a new website 'eStatMap' which is intended to provide high quality statistics charting the progress of…POLITICS
25 JUL 2000E-signatures legal in UKThe Department of Trade and Industry has announced that from today (July 25) an electronic signature is legally admissible in court in the same way…POLITICS
24 JUL 2000Fears for high tech future in UKVeritas, one of the world's leading software firms, has explained to UKTECH why it has fears for the future of Britain's high technology sector if…BULLETIN
20 JUL 2000IR35 concludes Parliamentary passageThe controversial IR35 measure all but concluded its Parliamentary passage in the Finance Bill this week (July 19) with Opposition MPs continuing to…IR35
19 JUL 2000IR35 has no effect on wages - PrimaroloA recent UKTECH story which examined how IR35 gave a tax advantage to large consultancies over their smaller competitors was the genesis for a…IR35
18 JUL 2000Agencies to be asked for contractors' detailsOn the day that the IR35 provisions were brought before Parliament for the last time, a press report suggested that the Inland Revenue is gearing up…IR35
13 JUL 2000The Good, the Bad and the Ugly...of Government IT.On the day (July 12) when House of Commons Public Accounts Committee lambasted the Inland Revenue for losing control of the escalating finances of…BULLETIN
13 JUL 2000Taskforce predicts the year 2010The Government's e-commerce taskforce is inviting comments on how businesses can prepare for the future, including the development of a risk and…POLITICS
7 JUL 2000Businesses call for a halt to IR35In a joint letter, industry leaders called on the Government to think again about IR35 before it's too late.IR35
4 JUL 2000Making a differenceSome previous articles on UKTECH have examined whether it was worth campaigning against a Government with such large majority and a media which…POLITICS
27 JUN 2000The Chancellor's new clothesChancellor Gordon Brown called for enterprise for all as he launched the Government's enterprise agenda in a recent speech to the Chairmen of the…POLITICS
26 JUN 2000Is there anybody out there?When New Labour were returned at the last General Election with a huge majority and a chorus of 'things can only get better', many people believed…IR35
23 JUN 2000Contractors urged to take IR35 to the OFT competition review by 30 JuneThe Office of Fair Trading has invited comments by 30 June on competition restrictions in the professions, giving contractors an opening to raise…BULLETIN
22 JUN 2000PCG calls on Government to stop unfair IR35The Professional Contractors Group has issued an 11th hour 59th minute call on the Government to abandon its controversial IR35 proposal following…IR35
20 JUN 2000Government says 'no' to increase on five per centIn the early days of the IR35 some organisations supported the idea of a salary/dividend split.POLITICS
14 JUN 2000CSSA tells the Government how to get IT rightAnother report aimed at improving the Government's poor IT performance has been launched.BUSINESS
24 MAY 2000ACCA calls for end to IR35The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has become the latest in an ever growing line of experts who have lambasted the Government…IR35
23 MAY 2000EDS chooses partner for £200 million Prison Service DealEDS has nominated Symbol Technologies as preferred supplier of wireless technology, as part of a deal worth £200 million to support the UK Prison…IT
22 MAY 2000Revenue responds to ICA on 'three out of ten' reportThe Inland Revenue has responded to ICA's highly critical report 'Towards a Better Tax System', by claiming that it contains inaccuracies.IR35
20 MAY 2000E-businesses give Government 'thumbs-down' in latest surveyAccording to a survey undertaken by Internet World UK 2000, 93 per cent of e-movers and shakers don't think the Government is communicating…BUSINESS
19 MAY 2000DON'T GET MAD - GET EVEN by Dr Andy MercerMany contractors have been frustrated by the lack of interest and the lack of replies from their MPs.IR35
19 MAY 2000WORK PERMITS ARE JUST A BAND-AID, SAYS CSSAThe CSSA, a trade association for the computing services and software industry, says much more needs to be done to address the IT skills shortage…IR35
19 MAY 2000GOVERNMENT APPOINTS SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL OF 'ACTIVE ENTREPRENEURS'Small Business and E-Commerce Minister Patricia Hewitt has announced the full membership of the Small Business Council (SBC) with the emphasis placed…POLITICS
17 APR 2000Why work in the Knowledge sector?On the day that the UK stock market is hammering technology shares, the UK government will announce an aid package worth around £100 million for the…BUSINESS
13 APR 2000Included in Inland Revenue's New Employers BulletinThe Inland Revenue has slipped the latest information on Service Companies and IR35 into their Employers Bulletin for April, between information…BUSINESS
13 APR 2000Aussies get luckyAustralians will often tell you what a great country they live in: the climate, beaches and sporting culture.BUSINESS
7 APR 2000Contractors win apology from BBCOne day after the PCG announced the legal challenge to the Government over the IR35 regulations, independent contractors are up in arms over the…BUSINESS
6 APR 2000Confusion At PM's Question TimeListeners to the weekly Prime Minister's Questions Time on Wednesday (April 5) would have been confused as the two protagonists spoke at cross…BUSINESS
6 APR 2000PCG mounts legal challenge against IR35On the day that the controversial IR35 legislation came into force (April 6), the Professional Contractors Group (PCG) announced it was challenging…IR35
5 APR 2000Brown speaks at British Chambers of CommerceChancellor, Gordon Brown, was reported to have dashed hopes that there would be any rethink on IR35 as he defended his so-called "Budget for…IR35
5 APR 2000Government doesn't do e-nough for SMEsNearly half the UK's small businesses believe the government is not doing enough to encourage them to buy and sell online, according to a recent Mori…POLITICS
5 APR 2000Government plans its own e-revolutionThe Government has announced it intends to bring the e-business revolution into the heart of Whitehall by 'shaking up the way Government works and…POLITICS
4 APR 2000Finance Bill on-line on April 7Paymaster General, Dawn Primarolo, has announced that the Finance Bill 2000 will be published on April 7 2000.IR35
4 APR 2000Government encourages teenagers on IT careersThe Government is encouraging teenagers to enter creative careers such as website and software design.POLITICS
4 APR 2000Microsoft rulingMicrosoft violated US anti-trust law by tying its Internet browser to its Windows operating system, the judge said in his ruling in the case against…BUSINESS
30 MAR 2000She's a model..and she's looking....IR35ableWhile the IR35 spotlight has been primarily on IT and engineers, another potential target group emerged - the fashion model.IR35
30 MAR 2000Chancellor 'Canute' meets Star WarsA search of the Parliamentary record, Hansard, gives 52 'hits' for IR35 in the week following the Budget.POLITICS
30 MAR 2000Virtual kick off for Euro 2000The official EURO 2000 website has been launched with predictions that it will become the world's most popular web site.IT
30 MAR 2000Government to speed up on-line drivePrime Minister Tony Blair brought forward his deadline of 'getting the UK on-line' to 2005 following a special Information Age Cabinet meeting this…POLITICS
27 MAR 2000DTI reveals Budget's IT package for SMEsDTI's Secretary of State, Stephen Byers, today (March 27) gave further details of measures set out in the Budget 'to encourage innovation, enterprise…POLITICS
27 MAR 2000Blair tells MPs of his IT vision for EuropePrime Minister Tony Blair outlined a European future based on 'enterprise, innovation and competition', when he addressed the House of Commons on the…POLITICS
26 MAR 2000Revenue approves PCG contractThe Inland Revenue has approved the first non-IR35 contract submitted to them based on the Professional Contractors Group contract.IR35
25 MAR 2000Primarolo dismisses 'silly' contractorsPaymaster General, Dawn Primarolo, scoffed at 'silly contractors' who claim to have moved overseas because of IR35.IR35
25 MAR 2000Estimated IR35 take nearly doublesAccording to post-Budget figures, the Government now estimates the 'take' from IR35 to be £900 million.IR35
25 MAR 2000IR35 - 'a policy from the madhouse'A former Conservative Treasury Minister described IR35 as 'a policy from the madhouse' as the Treasury oversaw the closure and migration of UK IT…POLITICS
24 MAR 2000Euro leaders aim to build on power of InternetEuropean leaders have agreed major reforms in the technology revolution which will create 20 million new jobs and, according to Tony Blair, will…POLITICS
23 MAR 2000Andersen pay no further compensation for IT problemsAndersen Consulting will not be asked for further compensation from the Government despite problems with the National Insurance computer system which…POLITICS
23 MAR 2000PCG response to BudgetThe Professional Contractors Group attacked the Budget as small entrepreneurial businesses continue to close down or move overseas, while the…IR35
22 MAR 2000Survey 2: IR35, tell Gordon Brown to.....Drop It… was the clear message from the survey of more than 1,300 UKTECH voters in its pre-Budget poll to send Gordon Brown an IR35 message.IR35
22 MAR 2000Survey 1: Tell us what you want to read...In the early days of UKTECH (last week) we conducted the first survey to discover what type of information contractors wanted to read about and…IR35
22 MAR 2000Government consults on the tax appeals systemThe Government is consulting on the best way to modernise the administration and composition of tax appeal tribunals.POLITICS
22 MAR 2000Budget: No joy for contractorsThe Chancellor does his bit for e-commerce with tax breaks on buying computers - but as Hague points out, the high-technology specialists are leaving…POLITICS
19 MAR 2000OECD publishes IT reportThe Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has published its latest report 'The IT Outlook 2000' examining trends in IT sectors…BUSINESS
19 MAR 2000PCG votes to become representative bodyThe Professional Contractors Group has voted - through the Internet - to be a representative body for contractors.BUSINESS
18 MAR 2000REC does a U-turnAgents took a significant step in the right direction recently, as their representative body, REC, did a U-turn and indicated that they are drafting…IR35
18 MAR 2000Contractors join protest vote in AyrWhile Clause 28 and the Scottish Assembly took the blame in the headlines for Labour's defeat in the Scottish Parliament by-election in Ayr…POLITICS
17 MAR 2000PCG sets up working party for AberdeenThe Professional Contractors Group has responded to interest from clients in the Aberdeen oil and gas sector by establishing a Working Party to deal…IR35
17 MAR 2000Government's proposals to improve IT projectsCabinet Minister Ian McCartney set in train a series of initiatives aimed at improving the delivery of IT services in Government.AGENCIES
17 MAR 2000Primarolo has more questions than answersPaymaster General, Dawn Primarolo MP, predicted that all sectors of industry would benefit from IR35 as the Government was able to target support on…IR35
16 MAR 2000IR35 will lead to brain drain - HagueConservative leader outlined his vision for the knowledge based economy amid criticism of the brain drain IR35 will cause.IR35
16 MAR 2000Hague accuses Blair of bare-faced lie on taxesPrime Minister's Question time (March 16) exploded in a row as Hague accused Blair of a 'total, bare-faced election lie'.POLITICS
15 MAR 2000Germany recruits non-EU IT specialistsGermany is planning to recruit IT specialists from non-European countries to meet its skills shortage in high technology.IR35
15 MAR 2000Hague cites IR35 as backdoor announcementConservative leader William Hague cited IR35 as an example of tax raising announcements by the back door, in a keynote speech where he outlined the…BULLETIN
15 MAR 2000E-envoy praises Essex entrepreneursThe Government's e-envoy Alex Allan praised Essex entrepreneurs as he spoke about the Government's aim to provide a 'light-touch regulatory and tax…POLITICS